Senior General opens Tazaungdine with fireworks, fanfare

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife, Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, presided over the launch of the annual hot-air balloon competition at Maravijaya Buddha Park on Wednesday evening. Cultural performers carrying traditional lanterns greeted the acting president, who serves as chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, before he cut a ceremonial ribbon to begin festivities. Small balloons ascended as fireworks lit the sky and dancers performed to seasonal music.

Teams representing government ministries and national organizations displayed illuminated balloons while spectators watched nighttime releases. The senior general and his wife visited the Maravijaya Buddha statue to present floral offerings and light oil lamps alongside other attendees marking the Tazaungdine celebration. They circled the monument, rang the Saddhadhipati Bell and spoke with Buddhist monks and pilgrims participating in the three-day event.

Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Prime Minister U Nyo Saw, Executive Chief U Aung Lin Dwe and other senior officials attended the ceremony with their spouses. The festival at Dekkhinathiri Township features religious recitations, 9,000 oil lamps on the statue platform, balloon launches and weaving of ceremonial robes. Vendors are selling regional products and foods while musicians and theater companies perform nightly through Monday.