Deepavali Celebration : President attends celebration in Yangon

President U Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla attended the Deepavali Celebration organized by Hindu community residing across Myanmar in Yangon on Friday. On their arrival at the National Theatre, the President and wife were warmly welcomed by the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar and wife and officials, and representatives from Hindu community.

The celebration commenced with the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the archway, along with the traditional conch shell blowing and hot-air balloons launching. Then, the President and his wife were welcomed with traditional Hindu oil lamps and incense.

They also received a ceremonial welcome and blessings through the sacred Hindu ritual of Pur Kumbham, before officially opened the Deepavali celebration. Later, the President, his wife and attendees visited traditional food exhibition booths showcasing traditional foods from various Hindu communities.

In the subsequent ceremony, the President and wife, the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar and his wife, Union Ministers and officials lit traditional oil lamps to mark the Deepavali festival. The Indian Ambassador and wife then presented the President and his wife with ceremonial shawls and flower garlands, followed by the exchange of commemorative gifts.

In his speech, the President extended his best wishes for good health and happiness to Hindu communities in Myanmar and around the world. He described Deepavali as the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

He highlighted the similarities between Deepavali and Myanmar's Thadingyut and Tazaungdaing festivals, emphasizing values such as love, kindness, mutual respect and unity. The President also stressed the importance of respecting different religions, cultures and traditions, noting that peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding are essential for national unity and stability.

He concluded by wishing for greater friendship among religious communities and peace, prosperity and development for Myanmar and its people. The Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, the Deepavali Festival Organizing Committee and the President of the Myanmar Hindu Religious Central Council also made congratulatory remarks and words of thanks.

Cultural groups from Hindu communities, the National University of Arts and Culture (Yangon) and Indian cultural troupes performed traditional dances, songs and cultural shows. After the performances, the President and wife, along with the Indian Ambassador and his wife, presented bouquets to the performers.

After the ceremony, the President and wife warmly greeted members of the Hindu community and cultural groups before attending a dinner hosted in celebration of Deepavali.