A ceremony to launch the ceremony of releasing hot-air balloons to mark the Tazaungdine lighting festival dedicated to the Maravijaya Buddha Image was held on a grand scale on the water fountain platform of the Maravijaya Buddha Park in Dekkhinathiri Township yesterday evening.
On arrival at the festival venue, Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla were welcomed by male and female national races from MRTV and cultural troupes from the Fine Arts Department with cultural dances.
The Senior General and his wife cut the ribbon to launch the ceremony.
Just then, a total of 450 small hot-air balloons were released at the same time as launching the fireworks. Moreover, dances were presented to the accompaniment of a song about the wonderful festival of Tazaungdine whereas a large hot-air balloon named Arojam was also released. The Senior General, his wife and the audience enjoyed the festival. The Senior General and his wife, and audiences also viewed the release of large hot-air balloons with the titles of Swan-ah-shin (1), Thitsar-mandaing, Ahmanthit, Aungmyingyin Moekaungkin and two elephants.
While making preparations to release hot-air balloons, artistes from the modern band of MRTV of the Ministry of Information and Myawady Entertainment Troupe of the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare and other artistes performed choral dances and songs.
After offering flowers, water and oil lights to the Maravijaya Buddha Image, the Senior General and his wife lit 3,600 oil lamps together with attendees to the ceremony.
The Senior General and his wife visited the platform of the Buddha image and stone plaque chamber pagodas and cordially greeted monks and people who joined the ceremony.
The festival will last from 25 to 27 November. During the festival, 9,000 oil lamps will be lit to dedicate to the Lord Buddha with the recitation of Pathana treatise, launching fireworks, releasing hot-air balloons and weaving lotus robes. The Buddha Park will be illuminated with LED bulbs, and plans are underway to sell domestic goods, foodstuffs, personal goods and traditional snacks to be showcased by MSME businesses. People can visit the festival joyfully.
The ceremony was also attended by the Council Secretary, the Joint Secretary and his wife, Council members and their wives, Union-level persons, Union ministers and their wives, the Chairman of Nay Pyi Taw Council and officials. — MNA/TTA
