Abhidhamma Day in Loikaw: Kayah State CM attended the celebrations

Under the supervision of the Kayah State government, a ceremony to offer 10,000 oil lamps was held at the historic Myo-Nam Pagoda in Loikaw Township, to celebrate the full moon day of Thadingyut (Abhidhamma Day) in the evening on October 6. The event was attended by Chief Minister U Zaw Myo Tin, the Commander of the Regional Military Operations Command, members of the state government, departmental officials, local ethnic people, traditional cultural groups, and religious organizations.

The ceremony was officially opened by Chief Minister U Zaw Myo Tin, the Commander of the Regional Military Operations Command, and the Minister of Social Affairs by cutting a ribbon. The honored guests, led by the Chief Minister, offered oil lamps in worship to the Buddha images inside the Gandhakuti Shrine of the Myo-Nam  Pagoda.

Following this, the Chief Minister, state ministers, and responsible officials offered oil lamps to the Buddha images in the upper relic chamber of the Myo-nam Pagoda. The assembled guests also simultaneously offered oil lamps at designated spots within the pagoda grounds and precincts. Afterwards, they respectfully circumambulated the pagoda with oil lamps in hand and admired the scene of the pagoda grounds illuminated by the offerings.

Subsequently, within the pagoda precinct, the Chief Minister and officials, along with festival visitors, released hot air baloons. The Chief Minister awarded honorariums to ethnic traditional dance groups who entertained the guests at the festival. Afterwards, the state government toured the festival venues where guests were being hosted and supported the hospitality. They also attended and cheered the music and dance performances at the Kandah Hae Won Park stone courtyard during the Thadingyut Festival.

On the full moon day of Thadingyut (Abhidhamma Day), the major monasteries and pagodas in Loikaw were crowded with people observing precepts, listening to Dhamma talks, worshippers, and visitors. The Naung Yar Kan Thar Lake and Htay Ngar Hlyar Kan Thar Lake areas were filled with people relaxing. In the evening, oil lamps and electric lights were lit in pagodas, the state government offices, departmental offices, and neighborhoods for worship and celebration.