Opening of Thanaka exhibition: MGY Region CM attended the opening ceremony

A ceremony to celebrate the Magway Region’s Myanmar traditional Thanaka culture exhibition and competition was held at the Magway City Hall on March 24. The event was attended by Magway Region Chief Minister U Tint Lwin and his wife, the commander of West Airbase, region government officials, their wives, department heads from the region, districts, and townships, participants of Myanmar Thanaka Culture Beauty Contest, and Thanaka lovers.

The opening ceremony of Myanmar traditional Thanaka culture exhibition and competition was officially inaugurated by Magway Region Chief Minister U Tint Lwin, the commander of West Airbase, Chief Justice of the Region High Court, Minister for Security and Border Affairs, and Minister for Social Affairs, who cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Following this, the Chief Minister honored the entertainment groups, including the Drum and Corps and and Pom Pom dance groups, who performed during the event, with cash prize, observed displays arranged in various sections in the exhibition on Myanmar traditional Thanaka culture exhibition and competition, and young women who are wearing thanaka in the designated competition rooms and visitors scan a QR code to express their support for the recognition of Myanmar's traditional Thanaka culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

In his speech at the ceremony, the Chief Minister mentioned that the practice of thanaka wearing culture in Myanmar dates back over 2,000 years. Evidence of the culture can be seen in the murals of the Pagan era. He further explained that hosting such events was meant to raise global awareness of Myanmar's traditional Thanaka culture and to help in the efforts to have it registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Later, the Chief Minister and officials watched the performances by entertainment groups and the participation of young women in the Myanmar Thanaka Culture Beauty Contest. Awards were given to winners of the various contests, including the open essay competition, the Myanmar Thanaka Culture Beauty Contest, and the People’s Choice Award. The winners received cash prizes and certificates of honor.