The four-day Hindu religious festival ‘Maharamaya Harinama Rama’ was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Maungdaw township on the western border of Rakhine State of Myanmar, now under the  control of Arakan Army (AA).

The festival was organized from 31 January to 3 February which witnessed thousands of Hindu families including local Buddhists joining in rituals under a peaceful ambience.

The festival venue was at Kyaukpantu mountain, a coastal area in southern Maungdaw locality where the Hindus believe that it has a historical connection to Lord Rama, Lakshman and Maa Sita.

Organized by the Hindu community of  Maungdaw, the festival was fully supported by the AA.

One Hindu devotee said that the festival was made possible because of the ULA/AA. They have prioritized minorities in Rakhine State and provided support more than that of previous governments. He offered thanks to the AA elders for their assistance in making the Hindu festival a reality.

Primary activities of the festival included reciting the great epic Ramayana and offering prayers to his prime disciple Hanuman.

According to the traditional belief,  offering Puja to Hanuman makes one powerful to overcome all difficulties.

Local residents observed that the successful hosting of the festival in Maungdaw reminds goodwill messages to all Hindus living across the country for centuries.

The celebration aims to preserve religious traditions and also foster harmony, unity and peace among all communities in the Arakan region.

It may be mentioned that after several years, when the military did not encourage the festival, the rituals have been performed this year, thanks to a progressive administration run by the AA.