Myanmar started holding its 19th National Traditional Performing Arts Competition on Tuesday, aimed at preserving and safeguarding the country's cultural heritage and national character.

The competition, which is the second during the time of the new government, is participated by 1,477 contestants across the country.

The contesting artists were selected from regions and states after holding the preliminary contests and the nine-day competition will run until October 24.

Attending the opening ceremony of the event were Myanmar Vice- President U Nyan Tun, Minister of Culture U Aye Myint Kyu, other ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers and diplomats.

U Nyan Tun said at the ceremony that the annual holding of the traditional cultural performing arts competition implies constantly arousing the lasting dynamism of socio-cultural tradition and custom in Myanmar society.

U Nyan Tun also pointed out that cherishing and valuing of traditional cultural heritage is a step forward in increasing the value of national cultural integrity.

He also called for achieving more progress in coming years and maintaining the momentum of the performing arts competition.

Modern music, which is familiar with the majority of the youth, was added as the new category since the 17th competition to go with the tide, he added.

The prize-winning teams of the competition will conduct cultural exchange and skills demonstration this year and the prize winners will be awarded on October 21 and 24 respectively.

Myanmar has held the traditional cultural performing arts competitions annually since 1993. The nearly two-decade-old competition has gradually developed both in content and essence with the experienced.

The competitions were yearly participated by thousands of youth contestants, including contests of song, dance, composition, music and play at different stages such as professional, amateur, higher education and basic education levels.