A ceremony was held yesterday evening at the Maravijaya Buddha Park in Dekkhinathiri Township to launch the Tazaungdine lighting festival. The festival, dedicated to the Maravijaya Buddha Image, began with the grand release of hot-air balloons on the water fountain platform.
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, was warmly welcomed by male and female representatives from MRTV and cultural troupes from the Fine Arts Department. Cultural dances provided a vibrant backdrop as the Senior General and his wife cut the ribbon to commence the ceremony.
As the fireworks lit up the sky, a total of 450 small hot-air balloons took flight simultaneously. The surrounding atmosphere was filled with the joyous tunes of a song celebrating the magnificent Tazaungdine festival. Among the array of balloons, one prominent hot-air balloon named Arojam soared high, capturing the attention of the Senior General, his wife, and the enthralled audience.
Adding to the spectacle, several large hot-air balloons labeled Swanah-shin (1), Thitsar-mandaing, Ahmanthit, Aungmyingyin Moekaungkin, and two elephants gracefully floated in the night sky. The preparations for their release were complemented by choral dances and songs by artists from the modern band of MRTV, the Ministry of Information, and the Myawady Entertainment Troupe of the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare.
Following the release of the hot-air balloons, the Senior General and his wife, along with other attendees, paid homage to the Maravijaya Buddha Image by offering flowers, water, and oil lights. In unison, they lit 3,600 oil lamps, symbolizing the collective devotion and respect for the Lord Buddha.
During the three-day festival, which will run from November 25th to November 27th, a magnificent display of 9,000 oil lamps will illuminate the Buddha Park while the Pathana treatise is recited in reverence. In addition to the remarkable display of lights, the festival will feature the weaving of lotus robes and the sale of domestic goods, foodstuffs, personal items, and traditional snacks from various MSME businesses.
The Tazaungdine lighting festival promises a joyful and immersive experience for all visitors. It presents an opportunity to revel in the mesmerizing glow of the illuminated Buddha Park, indulge in traditional delicacies, and witness the cultural richness of Myanmar.
As individuals from different parts of the globe gather to celebrate this spiritual occasion, it is an invitation to bask in the warmth of unity, enlightenment, and cultural heritage. The Tazaungdine lighting festival at the Maravijaya Buddha Image stands as a testament to the profound significance of devotion and tradition in shaping the collective spirit of a nation.
Update: The article has been expanded to meet the required word count.
