THE final day of the Tazaung­dine lighting festival and hot-air balloon releasing festival at Maravijaya Buddha Image in Nay Pyi Taw was crowded with large numbers of visitors from across the nation yesterday.

On the full moon day of Tazaungmone, the road to the Maravijaya Buddha Image was packed with the pilgrimage ve­hicles and private cars, and the traffic police systematically managed the traffic so that no traffic jams.

The officials also provided security checks in front of the archways of the pagoda, took the monks, the disabled and the elderly to the pagoda with small vehicles systematically and gave directions to the loca­tions for oil lamps, hot-air bal­loon releasing, marketplaces and so on.

Moreover, the weaving cer­emony of Matho golden lotus robes was organized at Mara­vijaya Buddha Image with 15 looms on 10 November to be able to donate the golden lotus robe to the Buddha Image on the full moon day of Tazaung­mone.

During the Tazaungdine lighting festival, religious asso­ciations recited religious verses and offered 9,000 oil lights on the platform of the image.

Moreover, the hot-air bal­loons were released, and these venues were crowded with locals and visitors. Fireworks were also launched, and night hot-air balloons and Seinnapan hot-air balloons were released.

In the precinct of Buddha Park, all structures are illumi­nated with LED lights. Micro, small and medium-sized enter­prises (MSMEs) display and sell domestic products, foodstuffs, personal goods and Myanmar traditional snacks at relevant stalls. In addition, renowned artistes perform song enter­tainment, whereas theatrical troupes present theatrical per­formances.

Yesterday night, the Minis­try of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and the Ministry of Legal Affairs competed in the release of Seinnapan hot-air bal­loons and the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, and the Ministry of Construction competed in the release of night hot-air balloons.

The officials also present­ed awards to the prize-winning looms. The Tazaungdine light­ing festival, Market Fair, drama, and entertainment programmes by famous singers were held from 2 to 4 November, allowing visitors to enjoy the Maravijaya Buddha Image Lighting Fes­tival, the market, and perfor­mances while making merits. — Myo Sett Thi/Jaing Law/ KTZH