U Ottama Day marked on small scale in Arakan State amid ongoing war

By Admin 09 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

9 September 2026, Mrauk-U

The 87th anniversary of U Ottama Day was commemorated on a small scale in some townships across Arakan State on September 9 due to ongoing intense fighting, according to local residents.

Wreath-laying ceremonies and obeisance-paying ceremonies were held only briefly amid safety concerns stemming from active battles and the threat of military junta airstrikes.

"We could not mark U Ottama Day here this year. During peaceful periods, we organized U Ottama Day events. Currently, fighting is fierce in Ponnagyun Township, and we have to fear airstrikes. As the military junta is conducting bombing attacks, we decided not to hold U Ottama Day events this year," said Ko Myo Chit, chairman of the Arakan Patriotic Youth Foundation.

Due to safety concerns, residents in many townships across Arakan State were unable to hold large commemorations as in previous years, opting instead for subdued observances.

On U Ottama Day, Wednesday, youth students, civil society organizations, and members of the United League of Arakan and Arakan Army (ULA/AA) laid wreaths and paid obeisance in some townships.

"Under current conditions, personal safety is the priority. Airstrike threats remain constant, and citizen safety comes first. I feel sad that we cannot hold U Ottama Day freely, but after this war ends in victory, there will be a U Ottama Day celebrated by the entire public," said Arakanese activist Ko Min Myat.

U Ottama was born on December 28, 1879, in Sittwe, and died on September 9, 1939. The anniversary of his death is designated as U Ottama Day, marking 87 years since his passing.

Although U Ottama Day could not be widely celebrated in Arakan State due to the risk of junta airstrikes, Arakanese diaspora communities abroad held commemorative events.

"Although U Ottama Day could not be celebrated grandly in Arakan State, I am glad to see Arakanese people abroad organizing commemorations. We always remember and honor the monk's virtues," said Maungdaw resident Ko Tun Aung.

U Ottama pioneered Myanmar's independence movement against British colonial rule and is revered as a torchbearer of independence. The monk traveled to around 30 countries worldwide and spoke 10 languages fluently, including English, Italian, French, Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Hindi, Japanese, Nagari, and Bengali.

Residents and activists emphasized that the contributions of U Ottama, the beacon of independence, should never be forgotten by the people of Arakan State or the entire nation.