A group art exhibition titled ‘Hidden Vault Vol 2: Still Life’, featuring works by seven veteran painters, is currently being held at the Myanmar Ahla Art Gallery in Kyauktada Township, Yangon Region. The exhibition opened on 22 June and will run until 29 June, according to sources.
“This exhibition includes rare pieces by the late master artist Kin Maung Yin and the renowned painter Mon Thet. A special highlight will take place at 11 am on 23 June, when veteran artist U Win Pe Myint will conduct a live demonstration of still-life painting for fellow artists and enthusiasts. For those who are unable to attend in person, the session will be livestreamed via the Myanmar Ahla Art Gallery Facebook page,” said one of the organizers.
The ‘Hidden Vault Vol 2: Still Life’ group exhibition showcases a colourful and diverse collection of paintings created in various styles and mediums by master artists Kin Maung Yin, Win Pe Myint, Mon Thet, Ko Pyae, Shwe Thein, MT Aung, and Kin Maung Zaw. — ASH/MKKS

Source: GNLM

Religious buildings in the Sri Ksetra Cultural Zone, a World Heritage Site in Pyay Township, Bago Region, will be renovated while preserving their original features, according to U Tun Tun Aye, head of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum (Sri Ksetra Branch).
Cracks appeared in the Bawbawgyi Pagoda and the Lemyethna Pagoda within the zone due to the Mandalay earthquake on 28 March, and the damaged areas will reportedly be repaired without compromising the original structures.
“When the Mandalay earthquake struck, the Sri Ksetra Cultural Zone was also affected. Most of the pagodas here were not very tall and therefore did not sustain serious damage. However, the slightly taller Bawbawgyi Pagoda and the Lemyethna Temple were damaged, as their structures were already weakened. Since they have been damaged, we must take the time to restore them while preserving their originality,” said U Tun Tun Aye.
The Bawbawgyi Pagoda is one of the oldest structures in the ancient Pyu city of Sri Ksetra, while the Lemyethna Temple is another notable example of Pyu architecture. Built around the 6th–7th century AD, the Bawbawgyi Pagoda stands 46.634 metres high and has a circumference of 64.8 metres. Its design features a five-tiered platform topped by a long, cylindrical brick structure. The pagoda is said to resemble the Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath, India, a memorial site where the Buddha delivered the Anattalakkhana Sutta, also known as the Discourse on the Characteristic of Non-self.
Similarly, the Lemyethna Temple is the only cave pagoda found in the ancient city of Sri Ksetra. This small, square structure features four arches and entrances and is estimated to have been built during the late Pyu period, between the 7th and 9th centuries. The Lemyethna Temple is a significant monument that illustrates the development of cave pagodas in Pyu Buddhist architecture.
Three ancient Pyu cities in Myanmar — Beikthano, Halin, and Sri Ksetra — were designated as World Heritage Sites in June 2014. — ASH/TH

GNLM

THE 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) commenced on Saturday in Shanghai, with 49 works shortlisted for this year’s Golden Goblet Awards.
The festival, featuring over 400 domestic and international films screened across Shanghai, will run till 22 June. This year marks the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema. Film Panorama will initiate a special section titled “Resonance: A Brief Encounter of Chinese and World Cinema,” emphasizing mutual learning and growth between Chinese and international film industries.
Twelve films from Asia, Europe, and Latin America headline the main competition. The Jury is led by renowned Italian film director and screenwriter Giuseppe Tornatore.
A series of events, including Belt and Road Film Week and Scifi Film Week, will also take place during the festival. Founded in 1993, SIFF is a prestigious global event, driven by Shanghai’s ambition to become an international cultural hub. The festival has garnered growing international attention thanks to China’s flourishing film market. — Xinhua

The ceremonial royal top-knot style and headdresses from the era of ancient Myanmar kings have been recreated by the Myat Taw Win traditional outfit-making service.
These traditional styles have been revisited so that Myanmar people can wear them in their auspicious novitiate, ear-boring and wedding ceremonies.
These ornaments were remade by Myat Taw Win using pure silver, gold plating, and gilding art, according to the service. For those who love Myanmar culture and want to preserve it by wearing traditional Acheik and double-length longyis in weddings and cultural ceremonies, the Myat Taw Win has produced both ready-made and cut fabric pieces based on the proportions, colour combinations, and Acheik designs of ancient Myanmar dresses.
Recently, there has been more interest among young people in Myanmar’s cultural clothing and attire, as well as interest from both domestic and foreign countries. — MT/ZN/Ed

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

EGYPT has postponed the long-anticipated grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) due to the escalating military confrontation between Israel and Iran, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced on Saturday.
Speaking during a press conference while touring the northern Beheira province, Madbouly said the current regional climate was not conducive to hosting a major international event. The museum’s opening, originally scheduled for 3 July will now be delayed until the fourth quarter of the year.
He added that a new date for the opening will be announced based on future regional developments. Located near the iconic Giza pyramids and spanning nearly 500,000 square meters, the GEM is billed as the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization. It will house approximately 57,000 artifacts, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. — Xinhua

The Japan Foundation has invited the public to the Japan Culture House to enjoy the beauty of Ajisai, a popular flower in Japan and create their flower.
The Japan Culture House hosts monthly activities about Japanese culture, and in this exhibition, an introduction to Ajisai is included.
Ajisai, also known as the flower of the sixth month, changes colour depending on the pH level of the soil, and it blossoms plentifully in June; therefore 6th, 16th and 26th of June are defined as Ajisai no Hi.
Now, the Japan Culture House is being decorated with Ajisai throughout June, aiming to feel the cool weather of nature throughout June as well as a part of sharing Japanese culture.
Visitors are welcome to take a photo with Ajisai and create flowers by themselves at the Japan Foundation located on Natmauk Lane 1 in Bahan Township, on every Tuesday and Saturday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. — MT/ZS

https://www.gnlm.com.mm/japan-culture-house-invites-visitors-to-enjoy-ajisai/

One-China policy strengthens bilateral relations between Myanmar and China, contributing to regional peace and stability.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing expressed gratitude to China for its stance of support regarding Myanmar’s issues on the international landscape.
A ceremony to mark the 75th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of the Establishment of Myanmar-China diplomatic relations took place at Mingala Thiri Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
At the ceremony, the Senior General said an opening address. He said: In the history of modern bilateral relations, Myanmar was one of the first countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China when it was founded in 1949. Subsequently, the two countries established diplomatic relations on 8 June 1950, marking the beginning of what is now considered a diamond jubilee era.
Since the establishment of Myanmar-China diplomatic relations in 1950, successive visits and exchanges of goodwill delegations between the leaders of both countries have steadily strengthened and deepened the relationship over time.
Based on the historical ties between Myanmar and China, the successful signing of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in 1954 has become a model in the history of modern international relations. Since the Bandung Conference in 1955 up to the present day, it is encouraging and commendable to see that many developing countries worldwide have practised these Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

Read more: https://www.gnlm.com.mm/myanmar-firmly-upholds-one-china-policy/#article-title

A festival of pouring water on banyan trees dedicated to sacred Bo trees in commemoration of the Buddha Day which falls on the full moon of Kason 1387 Myanmar Era was held at the Maha Bodhi banyan tree in the precinct of Maravijaya Buddha Park in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory yesterday afternoon.
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla watered the Maha Bodhi banyan tree.
Before the ceremony, the Senior General and his wife offered flowers, water and oil lamps to the Maravijaya Buddha Image.
The Senior General and his wife, SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win and his wife Daw Than Than Nwe, the Council Secretary and his wife, the Joint Secretary and his wife, council members and their wives, Union-level dignitaries and their wives sprayed scented water and poured water on the Maha Bodhi banyan tree.
Yogies from religious association members also sprayed scented water and poured water on the Maha Bodhi banyan tree.
Under the patronage of the Senior General and his wife, Vice-Senior General Soe Win and his wife, Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Kyaw Swa Lin and his wife, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htein Win and his wife, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung and his wife, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army, Navy and Air) and their wives, officers, warrant officers, corporals and other ranks and their families poured water on banyan trees at Lawkachantha Hsutaungpyae Pagoda in Zeyathiri Township.
Also present at the ceremony were, Union ministers and their wives, the Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command, officials and religious associations.
The full moon of Kason is the most significant one in Buddhism. It shows religiously prominent occurrences, stating that hermit Sumeda, the embryo Buddha, accepted a great prediction of Dipankara Buddha to become the Gotama Buddha in the Badda world. Moreover, Prince Siddhattha was born on the full moon day of Kason. The Gotama Buddha-to-be attained the Supreme Enlightenment at dawn of Kason full moon day. The Gotama Buddha attained Parinibbana on the full moon day of Kason. As such, these occurrences were recorded as the great prediction, birthing, enlightenment and Parinibbana. As such, Buddhists set the full moon day of Kason as a sacred day as the day becomes the greatest occurrences not only for Lord Gotama Buddha but for all Lord Buddhas. The water-pouring festival at banyan trees on full moon of Kason is not only a joyous and spiritually uplifting religious event worthy of merit, but also a celebration held as part of Myanmar’s cultural heritage. According to reports, the day before the full moon of Kason, it is customary to spray fragrant scented water on the banyan trees that will be watered during the festival, and to prepare the sacred Bodhi tree platform to appear serene and dignified — activities regarded as meritorious deeds. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

HUNTING dress of Prince Sudhanu of Ayutthaya, famous in Myanmar mythology, has been recreated by Myat Theinkhange from the Myat Taw Win Royal Attire Service.
Min Thant, Face of Myanmar – 2024 Male Model Winner, was dressed in the style of Prince’s attire when he went out hunting in the forest. He was the lover of the mythical bird Manawhari.
“In Myanmar fables, the character of the archer Sudhanu is re-created. Ko Min Thant is a GYM Trainer, as well as the 2024 Male Model Winner. His body is strong, and his appearance is unusual. He is topless and dressed in the style that princes wear when they are out in the forest.
He is holding bows and arrows, wearing a sash, a light headscarf, shoes and sandals,” he said. His re-making was aimed at reviving Myanmar’s mythical characters, and he was happy to find that young people have been recently interested in the clothing of ancient princes and court clothes.
“Now, I see many people taking this kind of dress seriously and showing interest. Models are recreating the styles of ancient kings, princes and warlords and competing, and it’s great to see people interested. As people want to preserve their traditional heritage and wear it, I’m really happy,” he said. — MT/ZN

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

THE Beikthano Archaeological Museum in the ancient Beikthano cultural zone, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, about 12 miles from west of Taungdwingyi township of Magway Region was constructed on 12 July 2004. The construction was completed on 30 November 2007, and the museum was opened to the public on 1 September 2008.
The Beikthano museum features booths of stone, iron and bronze eras, fossil fuels, traditional houses, the Beikthano ancient city map, the history of the city, significant characteristics of Pyu, pre-historical evidence of old Beikthano city, literature explored in Beikthano, Pyu literary writing style, bricks of Pyu era, vase, bronze Buddha statue, bird-shaped urn, model building for the burring urn, royal architectural pieces of evidence, city wall and barrier (model), bowl-shaped urn, coins and beads of Pyu.
The Beikthano Archaeological Museum is established as per the policy of the Ministry of Culture to explore, conserve and improve Myanmar’s cultural heritage, and to cherish the country and people by doing so.
The museum is open free for the public from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily except Mondays and public holidays. — Naung Naung (Beikthano Myay)/KTZH

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar