The 79th Mon National Day celebration, scheduled to be held on February 2, will be organized and led by the Mon Literature and Culture Association (Yangon) and celebrated in a grand and lively manner. Through IMNA, the organizers have urged Mon people living in Yangon to actively participate.
Although a large number of Mon people reside in Yangon, participation in ethnic events and activities related to Mon literature and culture has been gradually declining. As a result, the responsibility for preserving and organizing these cultural activities has largely fallen on the Mon Literature and Culture Association (Yangon), sources said.
Therefore, for the 79th Mon National Day (Yangon)—a significant occasion for the Mon people—the organizers have prioritized programs such as the flag-raising ceremony, traditional cultural songs and dances, and literary segments, and are urging the community to attend and show their support.
“Yangon is a big city, and there are many Mon people here, but participation is no longer like it used to be—it has decreased significantly. The Mon Literature and Culture Association has had to take responsibility for preservation efforts. We would like to encourage everyone who loves and values Mon national identity to actively take part. Even if you are busy with work, we urge you to make time—take a day off if possible—and come to the theater for this important day,” said a member of the organizing committee.
The event will include an alms-giving ceremony to 79 Mon Buddhist monks, a flag-raising ceremony at 8 a.m., traditional Mon dances, and performances by Mon artists. The celebration will be held at the National Theatre and will continue until 5 p.m.
In previous years, Mon National Day celebrations were commonly held at People’s Square with large crowds. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing political conditions, the event has been held at the National Theatre for three consecutive years.
The organizing committee noted that while Mon people in Yangon often provide financial support for Mon ethnic affairs, participation by youth and nationalist-minded individuals has become increasingly rare. This trend is concerning for future generations of Mon people.
“There is almost no youth presence anymore. Many have gone abroad—to Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Korea. There are fewer people left to pass on traditions to the next generation. We need to guide and work hand in hand with the remaining youth; otherwise, continuity will be lost. It may not disappear entirely, but it is worrying. If you ask Mon families in Yangon whether they have participated in any Mon-related events, many will say no—most people have already gone overseas,” the official said.
Mon National Day events are also planned to be held in Mon State, Kayin State, Yangon Region, Tanintharyi Region, Bago Region, and Nay Pyi Taw this year. In addition, a smaller-scale ceremony will be organized at a Mon monastery in Mandalay Region, according to sources.
Mon ethnic organizations have noted that many Mon people who migrated from Mon State to Yangon now have declining proficiency in the Mon language and literature, along with reduced preservation of traditional customs and practices.
Although the total Mon population in Yangon Region is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands, the Mon population in Yangon, Bago, and Tanintharyi regions individually does not exceed 60,000. As a result, Mon people were reportedly unable to elect an ethnic affairs representative in the 2010 general election.
