3 December
The 2nd day of New Year Dhamma congregation organized by the Yangon Region Government held yesterday at the People’s Park, attracting about 200,000 people.
Rector Sayadaw Dr. Nandamalar Bhivamsa delivered a sermon titled “Removing hatred from the heart”.
The Yangon Region Government has been holding the three-day New Year Dhamma ceremonies since 2016.
The Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Bhaddanta Nannisara will deliver a sermon at 7 pm today.
Among the congregation were Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein and wife, Speaker of Yangon Region Hluttaw U Tin MaungTun, Deputy Speaker U Lin Naing Myint, members of the Yangon Region Cabinet and MPs.
“With the help of well-wishers, I arrived here to listen to the Dhamma. This kind of Dhamma ceremony would benefit the country because it can give the knowledge to the people to reduce their excessive greed, anger and ignorance,” said U Hla Tin of Dagon East Township.
Meanwhile, Myanmar Red Cross Society was on standby to provide first aid to the people who gathered there.
“The ceremony is crowded. So, some aged people became light headed,” said U HlaMyint of Kyimyindine Township Red Cross Society.
“I feel delighted to listen to the sermon here. I come here every year,” said Daw Ni Ni Sein of Pabedan Township.
The Yangon Region Government has provided free ferry services to the people from four districts in the region.
U Maung Maung Kywe, Chairman of the Transportation Subcommittee, said they have arranged free transportation for pilgrims throughout all 4 districts. In addition, donors will be operating rental vehicles and mini-buses free of charge.
Ko Thura Zaw from DSH Ship Company said he and his friends were volunteering at the Dhamma congregation. He said, “We distribute the donated food to the people attending the event. I believe everyone will gain much dhamma insight and receive good merits from the ceremony.”
This year’s Dhamma congregation was attended by residents from townships in Yangon Region and other parts of the country.
Donors are providing charity food for people at the ceremony. Red Cross officers are providing healthcare protection and the regional police force is ensuring safety to the congregation.— Ye Khaung, Zaw Gyi
(Translated by Kyaw Zin Lin)
