President says religious festivals should be celebrated meaningfully and reaffirms State support for all religions.
A Diwali (Deepavali) celebration jointly organized by Hindu communities in Myanmar was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township, Yangon, on the evening of November 6.
President U Min Aung Hlaing and his wife, Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, attended the ceremony, along with Union Ministers U Khin Maung Yi, General Ko Ko Oo, Dr. Chaw Chaw Sein, Dr. Myo Thein Kyaw, Dr. Soe Win, and U Tin Oo Lwin, U Myo Thant as well as Yangon Region Chief Minister U Aung Naing Thu and other government officials.
The event was also attended by ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions based in Myanmar, representatives of Hindu organizations, members of the Hindu community, cultural associations, and invited guests.
The ceremony began with the official opening of a traditional Hindu Diwali ceremonial gate. Union Ministers, the Yangon Region Chief Minister, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar H.E. Shri Abhay Thakur, and representatives of the Hindu community participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Traditional Hindu instruments were played, and balloons were released to mark the occasion.
President U Min Aung Hlaing and his wife were welcomed with traditional Hindu oil lamps and the sacred Purna Kumbham ceremony, a Hindu ritual symbolizing auspiciousness and blessings. The President then officially opened the celebration by pressing a button.
During the ceremony, the President and his wife, together with the Indian Ambassador and his wife, Union Ministers, and other officials, lit ceremonial lamps. The Indian Ambassador and his wife also presented the President and his wife with traditional ceremonial scarves, flower garlands, and commemorative gifts. The President and his wife reciprocated by presenting gifts in return.
In his address, President U Min Aung Hlaing extended his best wishes for good health and happiness to Hindu communities in Myanmar and people around the world celebrating Diwali.
He described Diwali as one of the most sacred festivals of Hinduism, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
The President explained that the word "Diwali" is derived from two words, "Deepa" and "Avali," referring to rows of beautifully arranged and illuminated oil lamps. For this reason, Diwali is widely known as the "Festival of Lights."
He noted that Diwali is celebrated around the same period as Myanmar's Buddhist festivals of Thadingyut and Tazaungdaing, which also feature the lighting of lamps.
He said that while Buddhists traditionally pay respect to elders and illuminate lamps during Thadingyut, Hindus celebrate Diwali by sharing sweets and gifts with one another as an expression of love and friendship.
Although religious festivals have different beliefs, meanings, and traditions, they share important values such as light, love, kindness, goodwill, and peaceful coexistence, he added.
The President stated that Myanmar is a country where people of different ethnicities, religions, cultures, and traditions live together.
He emphasized that mutual understanding, respect, and friendly coexistence among people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds are essential foundations for national unity, long-term peace, and stability.
Referring to the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar, he highlighted provisions recognizing and protecting religious beliefs and practices.
He specifically referred to Section 362, which recognizes Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and traditional spirit worship as religions practiced in the country, and Section 363, which states that the State shall assist and protect recognized religions to the extent possible.
He also mentioned Sections 34 and 354, which provide for freedom of religion and the right to freely practise religious beliefs and customs.
The President stressed that it is important for people of all faiths to celebrate their religious festivals meaningfully and in accordance with their respective beliefs and traditions. He reaffirmed that the State supports and respects such celebrations.
He further called on people to practise the positive teachings of their respective religions in their daily lives and to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship among different religious communities.
Using the symbolism of Diwali, he said that just as a single oil lamp can illuminate its surroundings, love, compassion, kindness, and commitment to truth in the hearts of individuals can bring light to families, communities, and the nation.
He expressed his hope that the festival would inspire greater love, peace, and goodwill, strengthen mutual respect among religious communities, and encourage people of all ethnic backgrounds to work together towards a peaceful and prosperous society.
He also wished for all citizens to cooperate sincerely and responsibly for the development and well-being of Myanmar and its people.
Following the President's address, the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, representatives of the Diwali Celebration Organizing Committee, and the Chairman of the All Myanmar Hindu Religious Federation delivered commemorative speeches and messages of appreciation.
Traditional Hindu cultural dance groups, performers from the National University of Arts and Culture (Yangon), and Indian cultural troupes entertained the President and other guests with traditional dances, songs, and cultural performances showcasing Hindu heritage.
At the conclusion of the performances, the President and his wife, together with the Indian Ambassador and his wife, presented commemorative flower baskets to the participating cultural groups in recognition of their performances.
The ceremony concluded with a commemorative dinner attended by the President and his wife, the Indian Ambassador and his wife, government officials, and other distinguished guests.
