Myanmar had ended 60 years of colonial rule when it officially declared independence from Britain on January 4, 1948. Independence Day celebrates Myanmar’s Declaration of Independence from the United Kingdom as a National holiday. On January 4, the ceremony to mark Independence Day is grandly held in two parts in Nay Pyi Daw (the capital city). The State Flag hoisting ceremony was held with the flag hoisting platoon raising the flag at 4:20 a.m. at Nay Pyi Taw City Hall. Later, Vice President Myint Swe took his place and read out a message sent by President U Htin Kyaw for the 70th Anniversary Independence Day, received the salute of the Honour Guard and concluded the ceremony.
In evening, President Htin Kyaw and First Lady Su Su Lwin hosted the Independence Day dinner in commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Independence Day at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw the Independence Day dinner is held.
Present at the dinner were State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Vice Presidents Myint Swe and Henry Van Thio and other invited honorable guests graced the event.
Across the country, Independence Day is marked by sport activities such as Potatoes Picking, Greasy Pole Climbing, Greasy Coconut ball game, Musical Chairs, etc. When all competitions are over, there are usually bigger celebrations in the evening with music concerts and or comedy shows together with the awarding of prizes ceremony to winners of competitions held earlier during the day. Local people totally enjoy the activities.
