Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, Joint Executive Chief General Ye Win Oo of the National Defence and Security Council and his wife, the entourage, the Bago Region Chief Minister and officials, paid homage to ancient prominent pagodas in Bago of Bago Region yesterday.

The Senior General and his wife, and party paid homage to Hsutaungpyae Shwemawdaw Pagoda in Bago and offered alms in the emerald alms-bowl, fruits, flowers, water and oil lights.

The Senior General and party also paid homage to Hsutaungpyae Bilu Yannaing Buddha Image on the upper terrace of the pagoda and offered gold foils.

After visiting the pagoda, the Senior General gave guidance to officials, saying that it is necessary to constantly maintain the pagoda and religious buildings in the precinct for long-term existence and keeping them neat and tidy for magnificence. Families of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) will donate marble slabs to be placed on the platform of the pagoda for convenience of pilgrims. In so doing, the platform must be placed with systematic drainage facilities. And, officials were urged to supervise the work process to be completed as quickly as possible. The Senior General then cordially greeted pilgrims.

The Senior General viewed ancient Buddha images, ornaments, and utensils displayed at the historical museum of the pagoda and gave guidance on systematic preservation of these ancient objects. He presented cash donation for the overall renovation of the pagoda to officials who returned Dhamma gifts.

The Senior General and party paid homage to Shwethalyaung reclining Buddha image called Shinpinthalyaung.

After visiting the pagoda, the Senior General gave guidance to officials for carrying out necessary maintenance to ensure strengthening of the image, keep the image clean and pleasant for magnificence.

The Senior General and party visited religious objects and traditional handiworks shops in the prayer hall.

They also paid homage to Hsutaungpyae Swetawshin Mahazedi Pagoda built by Hanthawady Hsinbyumyarshin King Bayintnaung in Mazin Ward of Bago.

The Senior General presented cash donations for allround renovation of the pagoda to officials and gave guidance to officials to constantly carry out necessary maintenance of the pagoda for long-term existence.

As today was a public holiday, prominent pagodas in Bago were packed with pilgrims from four corners of the nation.

MNA/TTA

#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar