UNION Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture, U Tin Oo Lwin, visited the Shwedagon Pagoda yesterday. At the southern archway of the pagoda, he offered flowers and cool water to the Buddha image under the Bo tree and observed the Shwedagon Pagoda’s history and pilgrimage guidance services.
The Union minister met with members of the Shwedagon Pagoda Trustees’ Board at their office. U Htein Win, the alternate chairman, and other board members provided updates on the ongoing offering ceremonies of gold plates for the Shwedagon Pagoda for 2024-2025 financial year, as well as accomplishment of directives issued by the Head of State. The Union minister inspected the religious buildings in the pagoda precinct.
Additionally, the Union minister joined the 51st Buddha Pujaniyaya festival, Dhamma Pujaniya, and Sangha Pujaniya ceremonies, along with the offering of alms and rice at the Botahtaung Pagoda.
The ceremony was presided over by the Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Aggamaha Pandita, Aggamaha Saddhammajotikadhaja Sayadaw Dr Bhaddanta Candima Bhivamsa, along with other eminent monks.
Following the ceremony, the Union minister and his wife, regional ministers, departmental officials, trustees, and donors offered alms, including rice and other items, to 108 members of the Sangha and 36 nuns. — MNA/ TMT
