The central ceremony of the 78th Mon National Day, a cherished cultural event for the Mon people, is scheduled to take place on February 13(the 1st waxing day of Tabodwe) , 2025, at the Mon Dhamma Hall in Mawlamyine.
Mon National Day holds significant cultural and historical importance for the Mon community. Traditionally marked by vibrant and elaborate celebrations, recent years have seen smaller, subdued gatherings due to the political turmoil following the military coup.
“This year’s central ceremony will be simplified but will preserve its traditional essence. The event will take place at the Mon Dhamma Hall in Mawlamyine and will be held over just one day, with fewer activities planned to ensure the continuity of this cultural tradition,” said an official from the organizing committee.
The ceremony, previously celebrated regionally, has been centrally organized since 1997, the year of the Golden Jubilee. The central committee, which includes representatives from Mon State, Karen State, Yangon Region, and Bago Region, has been instrumental in fostering unity and cultural preservation by organizing annual events hosted by different townships on a rotational basis.
Mon National Day is celebrated annually to commemorate the founding of the Hanthawaddy Kingdom by the Mon brothers Samala and Wimala. Officially designated as a national day for the Mon people, it falls on the 1st waxing day of Tabodwe and has been celebrated with pride and reverence ever since.
