The New Mon State Party (NMSP) commemorated the 78th Mon National Day with a ceremony in Palaing Japan village, Three Pagodas Township, on the 1st waxing day of Tabodwe (February 13), following Tabodwe Full Moon Day.
The ceremony commenced at 7:00 AM with a salute to the Mon flag and a tribute to fallen Mon leaders. The event included a speech by NMSP Chairman Nai Hong Sar, remarks from the Mon Literature and Culture Group of the Three Pagodas region, and a reading of a memorial letter.
Amid escalating military violence, including widespread arrests and killings, the New Mon State Party, in a statement, urged the people of Mon State to remain vigilant and resilient. In his speech, Nai Hong Sar assured that the party would protect the public to the best of its ability in light of ongoing hardships and challenges.
He stated, “Currently, many are fleeing towards the Yecaunghpyar area. Due to the ongoing conflict, roads are blocked, and resources are becoming increasingly scarce. The people must prepare hiding places and escape routes. If possible, join the Mon force. If not, be aware that the Burmese military is forcibly recruiting people from all ethnic groups involved in the conflict. We must all work towards a free and independent nation, regardless of ethnicity, for the liberation of the Mon people.”
Major General Nai Soiroi Non, a member of the Central Committee, read the official statement released by the New Mon State Party for the 78th Mon National Day.
The event concluded with a resounding call for unity: “Let all Mon people be united for the betterment of our destiny, the prosperity of the Mon community, and the establishment of a genuine Union.”
The 78th Mon National Day is being observed not only in areas under the control of the New Mon State Party but also through central-level ceremonies held in Mawlamyine, as well as in Yangon, Bago, Karen State, and the Tanintharyi Region, where Mon communities reside.
Mon National Day was designated as the 1st waxing day of Tabodwe in the year 1116 of the Burmese calendar, marking the establishment of the Hanthawaddy (Pegu) Kingdom by the Mon brothers, Samala and Wimala. This date was officially recognized by the Mon National Conference, held on December 22, 1946, in Panga village, Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State. Since then, Mon National Day has been celebrated annually, beginning in 1947.
