THE Buddha Pujaniya Festival at Zalun Pyidawpyan Pagoda will be held for eight days, from 7 to 14 March 2025, featuring ceremonies and festivities to honour the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, according to U Khin Maung Oo, a member of the Zalun Pyidawpyan Pagoda Board of Trustees. “The Zalun Pyidawpyan Pagoda’s Buddha Pujaniya Festival takes place from the 9th waxing day to the 1st waning day of Taboung. During the festival, we will offer whole-body gold foils and a gold ceiling to the Buddha, as well as alms and rice offerings to members of the Sangha. Additionally, there will be a lively marketplace and entertainment activities,” explained U Khin Maung Oo. — ASH/MKKS

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Pilgrimage tour of Cambodian Mohasangharajah to further cement Myanmar-Cambodia friendly relations

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his entourage yesterday evening paid homage to members of the Sangha led by His Holiness Samdech Preah Abhisiri Sugandha Mohasangharajah Dhipadi Dr Bour Kry who is one of the Adhipati Sayadaws in Cambodia, staying at KMA Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw on his pilgrimage tour of Myanmar.
First, the Senior General and party paid homage to the Adhipati Sayadaw of Cambodia and members of the Sangha. The Senior General supplicated propagation of the Sasana, building of the world’s tallest carved sitting marble Buddha image namely the Maravijaya Buddha Image, the pilgrimage tour of the Cambodian Adhipati Sayadaw to further cement friendly relations between the two countries and to promote cooperation in religious affairs, and efforts of Myanmar to ensure continuous propagation of the Theravada Buddhism.
In his speech, Adhipati Sayadaw of Cambodia expressed his pleasure during his pilgrimage tour of Myanmar for homage paid by the SAC Chairman Prime Minister. He stated that Myanmar and Cambodia share the same Theravāda Buddhist faith and are culturally inseparable. He also expressed pride and joy that international monk students are studying at Buddhist universities in Myanmar. He continued that he was pleased to express his joy in revering the Maravijaya Buddha Image, the world’s tallest carved sitting marble Buddha image. He also extended his prayers for the good health and prosperity of the Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister, and all the people of Myanmar. Furthermore, he prayed for peace, stability, and prosperity in Myanmar, conveying his loving-kindness and good wishes for the nation.
The Senior General offered a replica of the marble Maravijaya Buddha Image and alms to the Cambodian Sayadaw who returned Dhamma gifts.
On 2 February, the Cambodian Adhipati Sayadaw and his members arrived in Yangon and visited prominent religious edifices and monuments including Shwedagon Pagoda. Yesterday evening, the Sayadaw and his members visited the Upatasanti Pagoda and Maravijaya Buddha Image in Nay Pyi Taw where officials conducted the Sayadaw and party around the Buddha image. During his pilgrimage tour in Myanmar, the Cambodian Adhipati Sayadaw will continue his visits to eminent stupas and temples. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

THE board of trustees of the Phayathonzu Mountain Monastery in Kyaikto Township, Mon State, announced that a new standing Buddha statue will be built near the sitting Buddha statue, which is the largest in Myanmar and the second largest in the world, located on Phayathonzu Mountain in Kyaikto Township.
The ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the standing Buddha statue and the ceremony to receive teachings from the abbot of the Phayathonzu Mountain Monastery were held on 10 January. The ground-breaking work has already begun.
The sitting Buddha statue and the Maha Bawdi Pagoda have already been placed on Phayathonzu Mountain in Kyaikto Township, and the new standing Buddha statue is going to be 363 feet tall, including its altar. — ASH/TH

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

MINBU January 12
According to a source close to the pagoda’s board of trustees, the Buddha Pujaniya Festival at the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda will take place from 2 February to 17 April, lasting 75 days.
Around 1,000 lodging huts and 500 food stalls are typically set up annually for the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival. The festival sees its largest crowds on Saturdays, Sundays, the full moon day of Taboung, and during the Thingyan Festival. Approximately 800 huts and 400 food stalls will be constructed to accommodate domestic pilgrims this year. Pilgrims will be allowed to stay overnight during the festival.
Additionally, the Shwesettaw Mann Creek Recreation Camp, which includes an elephant museum, will be open alongside the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival.

Source: Myawady Daily Newspaper

Religions need to bring peace and prosperity to the society

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing noted that the government is committed to resolving issues encountered within the society through peaceful co-existence, specifically through dialogue to achieve success.
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attended the Christmas Thanksgiving and Fellowship Dinner organized by Christian Councils of Churches of Myanmar at St Mary’s Cathedral Church in Botahtaung Township of Yangon Region yesterday evening.
Also present at the dinner were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, wife of the Senior General, Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo and his wife, council members and their wives, Union ministers and their wives, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Command-
er-in-Chief and their wives, the Yangon Region Chief Minister, the commander of Yangon Command, the mayor, bishops from Myanmar Council of Churches, Myanmar Christ Mission Cooperation Board (MCMC) and Myanmar Evangelical Christian Alliance, officials from Interfaith Dialogue Group and guests.
The Senior General, his wife and dignitaries were welcomed by Archbishop Cardinal Charles Bo and officials. At the ceremony, Archbishop Stephen Than Myint Oo extended greetings.
All attendees sang a song of choir titled “Prosperous Myanmar”. In his greetings, the Senior General said that individuals have rights to freedom of faith in accord with the provisions mentioned in the 2008 Constitution.

He noted that religions need to bring peace and prosperity to the society. Only when humans enjoy peace of mind will the society be peaceful and pleasant. He underscored that despite differences, individuals need to follow tolerance and forgiveness and avoid behaviours of extremism and bigot. In Myanmar, he said that it is well known that people of various ethnicities, religions, and beliefs have lived together harmoniously and cooperatively. Despite these differences, unity has been achieved through mutual toler-
ance, understanding, and respect. It is essential to continue safeguarding and maintaining this unity.
In particular, the Senior General highlighted that religious leaders from respective faiths have to guide their followers toward knowledge, wisdom, and positive mindsets. He continued that the government is implementing the roadmap, national and political visions to strengthen the multi-party democratic system that the people desire and to return to the correct democratic path.
The Senior General clarified that the government is committed to resolving issues encountered within the society through peaceful co-existence, specifically through dialogue to achieve success.
He underlined that the political issue, in a way, should be resolved through political means, and demands must be addressed through political methods but not handled in armed struggle. Just as no human society accepts armed terrorism, individuals must oppose such actions. In Myanmar, he emphasized that Buddhism is the most widely practised religion, followed by Christianity. Christian religious organizations and adherents play a crucial role in ensuring the stability and prosperity of the country.
Therefore, they are encouraged to actively participate in various sectors. The Senior General urged all to build Religions need to bring peace and prosperity to the society a peaceful, harmonious, and beautiful human society with understanding and tolerance towards one another, not only in Myanmar but across the world. The Senior General urged all to work towards this goal, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and good blessings.
All processes of the ceremony followed. Sister Mary Zin Mar Swe read the Bible while Archbishop Cardinal Charles Bo preached the Dhamma. Rev Dr Aye Min blessed the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
Archbishop Cardinal Charles Bo, Archbishop Stephen Than Myint Oo and Rev Dr Aye Min presented Christmas gifts, the message of Christmas blessing and the stone art painting to the Senior General and his wife who returned the Christmas gifts.
In his speech, Archbishop Cardinal Charles Bo said that on this joyous occasion of Christmas, may not only Christians but all of humanity around the world be filled with the blessings of goodness and happiness that Christmas brings.
He wished the Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister, his wife and family, cabinet members, Tatmadaw members and their families, and all the people of Myanmar receive blessings of happiness and prosperity.
The Senior General, his wife and dignitaries together with guests had the dinner hosted by the Christian Church Associations of Myanmar. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

A ceremony to hold the hot-air balloon contest to mark the 2024 Tazaungdine lighting festival was held in conjunction with the awarding of the Mathoe lotus robe contest at the water fountain square in the precinct of Buddha Park of the Maravijaya Buddha Image in Dekkhinathiri Township of Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory yesterday evening.

Also present at the ceremony were State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, 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, Chair of Government of Russia’ Buryatia Republic Mr Alexey Sambuevich Tsydenov and delegation members, council members and their wives, Union ministers and their wives, the Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command and officials, contestants from regions and states including Nay Pyi Taw Council Area in the hot-air balloon contest and lotus robe-weaving contest together with pilgrim monks and people.

The Senior General and his wife, the Chair of Government of Russia’s Buryatia Republic and attendees paid homage to the Maravijaya Buddha Image and offered flowers, water and oil lamps. They also lit oil lamps together.

After visiting the pagoda, they beat Saddhadhipati Bell. The Senior General, his wife and attendees were welcomed by ethnic traditional cultural troupes with traditional dances.

The Senior General and the Chair of the Government of Russia’s Buryatia Republic and delegation members watched the release of hot-air balloons. They also enjoyed releasing the Myat Yaungchi Seinnaban hot-air balloon to mark the Russia-Myanmar friendly relations. The hot-air balloon was decorated with Myanmar handicraft works and pictures bearing a lotus flower and a letter Buryatia.

While making preparations, ethnic cultural troupes performed dances and songs to audiences.

The Senior General and the Chair of Government of Russia’s Buryatia Republic visited the stone plaque chambers. SAC members presented prizes to the relevant winners in the lotus robe weaving contest.

Council member General Mya Tun Oo, the Joint Secretary and the Secretary presented the fifth prize to the Nay Pyi Taw Council team, the fourth to the Kachin State team and the third prize to the Sagaing Region team, respectively.

The SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister gave the trophy, cash award and a certificate of honour to the second prize-winning Taninthayi Region team.

The Senior General presented the trophy, cash award and a certificate of honour to the first prize-winning Mandalay Region team.

Council members handed prizes to relevant winners in the hot-air balloon contest. The Council Secretary and the SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister awarded the third prize winning Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, respectively.

The Senior General presented the trophy, cash award and a certificate of honour to the first prize winner, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) team of the Ministry of Defence.

Council members also gave prizes to relevant teams in the night flare hot air balloon contest. The Secretary and the SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister presented prizes to the third prize-winning Ministry of Border Affairs and the second prize-winning Ministry of Home Affairs, respectively.

The Senior General gave the trophy, cash award and a certificate of honour to the first prize-winning Ministry of Transport and Communications.

The Senior General and his wife cordially greeted audiences to the contests and festivals and pilgrim monks and people.

The Tazaungdine lighting festival was held at the Buddha Park of Maravijaya Buddha Image in Dekkhinathiri Township of Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory from 13 to 15 November. During the period, Maha Pathana treatises and religious verses were recited. Moreover, fireworks were displayed, hot-air balloons were released, and the second Mathoe lotus robe-weaving contest was held for the Buddha image. The precinct of the Buddha image was illuminated with LED bulbs. The shops sold MSME products, domestic products, foodstuffs and personal goods. Artistes from the Fine Arts Department and Pho Chit theatrical troupe performed entertainment, crowed with pilgrims and people. — MNA/TTA

Source- The Global New Light of Myanmar

THE 36th Matho Thingan (robe) Offering Ceremony and Samañaphala Day will take place at designated locations around the Shwedagon Pagoda on the eve of Tazaungmone full moon and the full moon day itself, as shared by U Bo Thin, a member of the pagoda’s board of trustees.

“Devotional activities will begin with worship at the ancient Buddha statues by circumambulating the Pagoda the Pagoda at 6 pm on the evening before the Tazaungmone full moon (14 November). The opening of the robe weaving competition will be held at the southwest corner of the Shwedagon Pagoda, followed by the awarding ceremony at 11 pm.

The robes woven during the competition will then be crafted into the ‘golden lotus robes’. On the morning of 15 November, the full moon day, the golden lotus robe will be ceremoniously presented to the Padamyar Myetshin Buddha image on the upper terrace, along with other Buddha images throughout the pagoda,” U Bo Thin stated.

Further, the Samañaphala Day alms offering to the Shwedagon Pagoda and its senior monks will commence at 5 pm in the southern guest hall.

Paritta chanting ceremonies are scheduled for 6 am. Preparations are also underway to accommodate pilgrims attending the Matho Thingan Lotus Robes Offering and Samañaphala Day ceremonies, allowing them to spend the night at the Shwedagon Pagoda. — ASH/MKKS

Source- The Global New Light Of Myanmar

STARTING from 16 October, a hot-air balloon company began offering services to both local and international tourists in the Bagan region, showcasing Myanmar’s ancient cultural heritage, including pagodas, temples, statues, and the region’s natural beauty.

Each year, following the Thadingyut Full Moon Day, hot-air balloon companies provide these services, with the fare set at around K600,000 per person.

However, the tourism season in 2021 was suspended due to the global pandemic. In 2022, with resumption of tourism activities, both domestic and international visitors returned to Myanmar’s top destinations, including the beaches, pagodas, and temples.

Bagan saw an increase in tourist arrival numbers during the 2023 Thadingyut Festival, and the balloon rides proved particularly popular again during the 2024 festival.

Balloon operators offer convenient services, picking up passengers from their hotels and serving refreshments like coffee, tea, cookies, and snacks before the flight. The hot-air balloon ride lasts from 45 minutes to an hour. Upon landing, passengers are treated to cold drinks, wine, and banana cake and other snacks before being transported back to their hotels.

Balloons usually launch from Bagan Amazing Golf Club and the hotel zone, making the ride a favourite among both foreign and local tourists, particularly those from Asian countries.

There are currently four hot-air balloon companies providing these services in Bagan, operating from October (starting with the Thadingyut festival) until the first week of April. Additionally, a skydiving company started offering services from 16 October.

Tourists flying over Bagan can enjoy a stunning aerial view of the 3,822 pagodas, temples, and statues, along with the scenic Ayeyawady River, contributing to the promotion of the region’s tourism sector. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/TKO

Source- The Global New Light Of Myanmar

Durga Puja festival

Source- MRTV

THE celebration for the International Day of Older Persons took place yesterday morning at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief, and Resettlement in Nay Pyi Taw.

During the event, the Union Minister shared that, according to the 2019 Interim Census, the population of senior citizens aged 60 and above in Myanmar was approximately 5.2 million. This number is projected to increase to over 6.5 million by 2024, based on estimates from the Department of Population.

The Union minister emphasized the need for comprehensive healthcare, support, and social services for older adults, both in Myanmar and globally. The theme for this year’s 26th International Day of Older Persons is “Fostering the Dignity of Older Persons Through Inclusive Care Worldwide”.

The Myanmar National Committee for Older Persons, established in 2017, continues to implement initiatives to protect the rights and welfare of older people. A national social pension scheme, introduced in 2017 aims to provide financial security for seniors. For the 2024-2025 financial year, the scheme is planning to distribute pensions to 110,796 elderly individuals aged 85 and above. As part of the celebrations, Myanmar will continue its tradition of honouring the oldest living grandparents in each state and region with a cash reward of K1 million each.

Additionally, a documentary on the welfare and rights of older people was screened during the event. The Union minister, deputy ministers, and committee members for elder care also donated essential goods, medicines, and monetary giftsto senior citizens. — MNA/KZL

Source- The Global New Light Of Myanmar