A ceremony to donate and install polycarbonate walls around the gold-coated sacred hair relic perimeter of the Botahtaung Pagoda, aimed at enhancing security at the entrance and exit of the relic chamber, was held at the pagoda yesterday morning. The donation was made by Ven Shichang Zang of Lingguangxi Temple, Beijing of the People’s Republic of China.
Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Aye Tun, Yangon Region Minister for Social Affairs U Htay Aung, Chairman of the Myanmar-China Friendship Association (Central) U Tin Oo, and members of the pagoda board of trustees opened and viewed the newly installed polycarbonate walls.
The ceremony continued at the NanU Pagoda prayer hall with a merit sharing activity dedicated to the donors. The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Chairman Sayadaw Dr Bhaddanta Candima Bhivamsa of Thanlyin Minkyaung Monastery, presided over the event together with Sangha members, including Ven Shichang Zang. Senior government officials, members of the pagoda board of trustees, donors, responsible officials, and invited guests were also present.
During the ceremony, U Aung Myat, a member of the pagoda board of trustees, explained the purpose of the donation, while Ven Shichang Zang delivered a Dhamma talk expressing appreciation for the collective merit-making.
Deputy Minister U Aye Tun expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting that it symbolized the friendship and cooperation between Myanmar and China, and he wished for the continued longevity of bilateral relations.
Later, the Chief Minister, the Deputy Minister and donors offered alms and requisites to the Sangha. Ven Shichang Zang also donated 10,000 yuan towards the construction of a new treasury hall at the pagoda to the Deputy Minister and trustees. — MNA/ KZL
