Jun 3, 2008 (DVB), Around 500 people attended a commemoration service organised by the New Zero modern art group in Rangoon yesterday to pray for those killed in Cyclone Nargis on 2 May.

Cyclone survivors from Labutta township in the Irrawaddy delta were among those who took part in the ceremony and helped light 6000 candles during the three-minute silent prayer session which was held in the group’s exhibition hall.

Modern artist Aye Ko said the group had organised the event to express their condolences for those who died and to pray for their souls.

"We organised the service for the survivors to show their sadness for those who were killed by the cyclone," said Aye Ko.

"We can only pray for their reincarnation into a good life."

Aye Ko said the group planned to hold art exhibitions in Rangoon and Mandalay to raise funds for the cyclone victims.

"Artist Htun Win Nyein is organizing the show in Rangoon at the Yuzuna hotel on 14 June , all the contributing artists will donate a percentage of the money they make," he said.

The New Zero modern art group was formed by 32 artists in 2001. A self-titled exhibition organised by the group in December 2007 was banned by the authorities without explanation.

Reporting by Htet Yazar