8 November 2023
The festival of lights commemorating Deepavali organized by Myanmar India International Business Federation with the collaboration of India Embassy in Myanmar was held at Park Royal Hotel in Yangon on 7th November.
The Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Union Minister for Planning and Finance U Win Shein accompanied by the Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein, Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen. Zaw Hein and officials attended at the festival, and opened the ceremony by lighting Deepavali lamps at Mahalakshmi goddess.
Consequently, at the stage, Deputy Prime Minister and guests were wrapped up in golden silk shawl by the Indian Ambassador and the Chairman of organizing committee Thiri Pyanchi U Zaw Zaw Naing and the Deputy Prime Minister, ambassador and guests lighted Mingalar long candle stick.
Afterward, Deputy Prime Minister extended words of honor including the meaning of Deepavali, elaboration of the festival of lights in Hindu culture, provisions in the 2008 Constitution regarding with the acknowledgement of religions in the country, basic principles of Inter-Faith Friendship Organization, correlation with Buddhism, India and Myanmar, traditional cultural connection between Myanmar and India, long friendship relation between the two countries etc.
The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights.”
Next, the India Ambassador presented Deepavali flower basket to the Deputy Prime Minister and clarified the Deepavali Day. Then, a video clip on Deepavali festival and the organizing committee Chairman Thiri Pyanchi U Zaw Zaw Naing and secretary U Raju Goenka extended words of thanks.
After presenting Hindu traditional cultural dances by Indian Embassy, the ceremony was concluded and the gueste were hosted with dinner.
