Myanmar’s Thingyan: April 13-16
Thingyan is a public holiday in Myanmar.
Myanmar observes the yearly four day celebration of Thingyan ending in New Year. The celebration of Thingyan is not the same each year as its celebration depends on the Burma’s lunisolar calendar and other astrological events. Thingyan is also popularly known as Water Festival.
History of Myanmar’s Thingyan
The celebration of Thingyan did not originate from Myanmar but from the people of India, the Hindus, who migrated to Burma and served in courts of the then Kingdoms during ancient Burma; there they hold important posts allowing them to inject their native cultures little by little into the lives of the people. The tradition was however modified from generation to generation forming a unique celebration that showing the unique culture and tradition of Myanmar.
The oldest recorded history of the celebration of Thingyan was in the 13th century. Historical accounts had it that Nara Thiha Pathae (King of Bagan) instructed the royal ladies to throw water at one of his wives adhering to what was then known as the popular tradition during the celebration of the Thingyan. Considering that the celebration was new only a few people knew that throwing water at one another is part of the celebration, the wife, feeling that she was humiliated, planned to assassinate the king. The King found out about his mistress’ plans and immediately executed her along with her families and relatives by burning them at stake.
Myanmar’s Thingyan: Traditions, Customs and Activities
Apart from the usual water throwing, people pay visit to their parents during Thingyan. Most usually travel back to their old villages to visit their elderly and spend the rest of the festival there. Hair washing using the traditional shampoo bean called Acacia rugata is popular.
The time when Thingyan falls is usually the hottest season in Myanmar; it is when smaller lakes dry up because of the heat of the sun. Because of this, it has become a tradition to rescue the fishes inhabit this area and are transferred to larger lakes. Before releasing the captured fishes, a prayer is said saying,
“I release you once, you release me ten times.”
It is also thought that doing good deeds during the event is thought to add up to good karma. It is also during this time when people visit temples and Buddhists observes the tradition of Theravada Buddhism where they spend a short time with the monks and be instructed with the traditional teachings of Buddha.
Some of the traditional food during this time is the rice balls called ‘mont loun yeibaw’ filled with palm sugar inside. It is cooked by throwing the rice balls in a container with boiling water and taken out of the container when they finally surfaced.
Another popular food is the ‘Mont let saung’ made with sweet syrup and coconut milk and served with grated coconut meat and sesame seeds on top.
Other interesting posts:
- Kayin New Year Festively Observed in Myanmar
- Union Day Celebration of Myanmar
- Myanmar Martyrs Day
- Festival of San Juan
- Myanmar Remembers Its Independence on National Day
Other interesting posts:
