The Deepawali Maha Lakshmi Mae Taw offering and lamp lighting ceremony, organized by the Myanmar-India Friendship and Development Association in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Myanmar, was held at 5 pm on October 30 at the Myawaddy Media Center on Moe Kaung Road, Yankin Township, Yangon.
Earlier in the evening, H.E. Mr. Abhay Thakur, Ambassador of India to Myanmar, Chairman of the Education Committee of the Myanmar-India Friendship and Development Association U Nay Ok (Saint Paul), Chairman of the Association U Zaw Zaw Naing and officials offered flowers, water, lamps, and fruits at the Maha Lakshmi Mae Taw temple complex on Bawkhtaw Bus Station Road, Yankin Township.
Following the offering, the Diwali lamp lighting ceremony took place at the Myawaddy Media Center. The ribbon-cutting was performed by the Charge d’Affaires of the Indian Embassy, U Zaw Zaw Naing, Chairman of the Association, and Mr. Marimuthu (aka) U Tin Myint To, Pchairman of the All Myanmar Hindu Central Council. The ceremony was formally opened when Indian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Abhay Thakur and U Nay Ok (Saint Paul) pressed the ceremonial button to light the Diwali lamps.
Afterward, the Indian Ambassador and distinguished guests lit the auspicious lamps. Speeches were delivered by Ambassador Thakur, U Nay Ok (Saint Paul), U Tin Myint To, and other representatives. Mr. Naresh Kumar, Chairman of the Festival Organizing Committee, expressed words of thanks.
The event also featured traditional Myanmar-Hindu cultural performances organized by the Indian Embassy, followed by a dinner reception for the attendees.
Among those present were U Ye Htun, Chairman of the Buddhist Kalyana Yuwa Association (Central); U Wunna, Chairman of Interfaith Friendship and Unity (Central); representatives of Hindu organizations; Myanmar-born Hindu community leaders; and invited guests.
