Diwali Festival : Acting President Attends Ceremony in Yangon

Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, attended and graced the Diwali commemorative ceremony held at the National Theatre in Yangon on Friday evening.

First, the Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission and his wife were welcomed and greeted by responsible officials. Following this, the ceremonial archway of the traditional Hindu Diwali commemorative ceremony was unveiled. Next, the Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission and his wife were welcomed with traditional Hindu oil lamps and incense.

Afterward, the Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission officially opened the Diwali commemorative ceremony by pressing a button. Subsequently, the Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, his wife, and officials toured the exhibitions.

Following this, the Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission and his wife, the Chargé d'affaires of the Indian Embassy in Myanmar and his wife, and officials lit the oil lamps to commemorate Diwali. Then, the Chargé d'affaires of the Indian Embassy in Myanmar and his wife respectfully presented the Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission and his wife with an auspicious honorary shawl and a garland.

Afterward, the Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission gave a speech and mentioned that he understood Diwali to mean a festival of lights, where rows of oil lamps are lit and offered. He expressed his belief that just as lighting oil lamps dispels darkness and brings light;  this Diwali festival would help the country overcome bad things and usher in good fortunes, allowing the rays of hope to return and become plentiful.

He stated his belief that starting from this moment, the country would enjoy better and more progressive conditions. He announced that for the benefit of the State and people, the free and fair multi-party democratic general election will be held starting from December 28.

Following his speech, the Chargé d'affaires of the Indian Embassy in Myanmar gave a commemorative address, and the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Diwali Festival and the Myanmar-India Friendship Association delivered a vote of thanks.

Next, traditional dances were performed and honorary flower baskets were presented as mementos to the cultural troupes. And, the Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, his wife, and the attendees had a celebratory dinner to mark the Diwali commemorative ceremony.