Yangon Mayor’s Maha Thingyan Pandal was opened at the pavilion in front of the City Hall of the Yangon City Development Committee yesterday morning.
The ceremony was attended by Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein, Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Nyunt Win Swe, Region Security and Border Affairs Minister Colonel Win Tint, Yangon Mayor U Bo Htay, and governmental officials, municipal staff, family members and artistes.
First, the Yangon Region chief minister made a speech saying the opening ceremony is intended to bring a special moment by sprinkling water following Myanmar traditions at the end of the old year.
The Thingyan Festival is a special event and full of essence to make good friendships among the people. He also extended wishes to the people after describing the significant points of the Thingyan Festival. He then cut the ceremonial ribbon together with the Yangon command commander and the mayor to launch the 1383 ME Yangon Maha Thingyan Festival.
The artistes of the Myanmar Music Association and dance troupes entertained the public during the morning and evening sessions of the Thingyan Festival.
The entertainment programmes will go as planned on Akya, Akyat and Atet days of Thingyan.
On the first day of Thingyan, the Yangon residents participated in walking Thingyan at the Maha Bandoola Park and playing water at the pandals of the People’s Square, the Inya Lake, district and townships, respectively. — MNA
