Myanmar still proudly preserves its rich traditional heritage today, thanks to generations of ancestors who discovered, nurtured, and handed down these cultural treasures throughout the nation’s history.

The 26th Traditional Myanmar Cultural Performing Arts Com­petition was launched at the My­anmar International Convention Centre I in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning, and Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, delivered an address at the opening ceremony.

Vice-Chairman of the Commission Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Patron of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Competition Commission member, Prime Minister U Nyo Saw and Chairman of the Leading Committee Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the competition.

The Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar unveiled the signboard of the competition.

Artistes from the Fine Arts Depart­ment of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture performed the opening song in honour of the competition.

Speaking on the occasion, the Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar said that Myanmar has also been able to preserve and showcase its cultural and artistic traditions, which have flourished since ancient times and remain intact and enduring to this day. This reflects the nation’s dignity and stature on the world stage.

He continued that the fact that Myanmar still possesses its traditional cultural heritage today is due to the ef­forts of our ancestors, who discovered, preserved, promoted, and handed down these traditions throughout Myanmar’s history.

He noted that it is therefore the national duty and responsibility of the younger generations to continue pre­serving and promoting Myanmar’s unique cultural roots and values, fol­lowing the good traditions of the past and ensuring they do not fade away.

In the field of Myanmar traditional culture, he underlined that the arts of singing, dancing, song composing, and playing musical instruments each pos­sess their own distinct characteristics and styles. At the same time, these art forms — singing and dancing, dancing and instrumental music, instrumental music and singing, as well as singing and song composing — are closely in­terconnected, mutually influencing and supporting one another, thereby flour­ishing in harmony.

He expressed his hope that the new generation of artists participating in the 26th Traditional Myanmar Cultural Per­forming Arts Competition will be able to showcase their artistic talents in a way that brings satisfaction and enjoyment to the judges and audiences.

The Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar highlighted that this com­petition is not only a contest but also an opportunity for the national brethren living across states and regions to come together in friendship and harmony, to build stronger bonds of goodwill, and to exchange and share their diverse cultural and artistic traditions. Through these outcomes, it will also contribute to promoting greater unity and solidarity among the national races.

Therefore, he stressed that in order to further enhance the momentum and success of the competitions, and to en­sure that the 26th competition now being held achieves its objectives successfully, it is earnestly urged that all concerned officials, maestros and distinguished ar­tistes, judges, participating performers, and art enthusiasts work together with unity of purpose and concerted effort.

The Chairman of the Leading Com­mittee Union Minister reported on ar­rangements for the competition.

After the ceremony, Acting Presi­dent and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla and party cordially greeted the maestros.

Also, present at the ceremony were Daw Than Than Nwe, wife of the Vice-Senior General; Commission Secre­tary and Joint Executive Chief General Ye Win Oo and his wife, the wife of the Prime Minister, commission members and their wives, Union-level dignitar­ies, Union ministers and their wives, the Chairman of Nay Pyi Taw Council and distinguished guests, members of the leading committee, work committee and subcommittees, and ethnic people contestants from region and state teams.

The 26th Performing Arts Compe­tition is being held in accord with its objectives: to explore, preserve, and enhance Myanmar’s national prestige, integrity, and distinctive cultural herit­age; to promote and exemplify the spirit of national solidarity and unity through Myanma art; to transmit traditional per­forming arts to the younger generation; and to function as a national cultural and artistic institution contributing to the State’s socioeconomic development. — MNA/TTA