Myanmar New year Festival

               When I say New year, a lot of people will think December 31 night. But  I'm going to write about Myanmar new year festival called 'Thingyan' and how we usually celebrate. We do have very interesting and fun ways of celebrating our new year. This is our biggest and greatest occasion with largest people participation event throughout our country. I think the reason of celebrating with water in the very hot month April is to welcome the rain and join the new year with fresh and clean souls. Moreover, I think it is just not only celebrating at the right time but also for right reasons.

When I talk about Thingyan, I can't forget about the flower called Pa Dout. That flower is very unique and has very sweet and lovely story. That flower is blossomed only once in a year. And it blossom when the Pa Dout tree has the first rain in the season. Pa Dout faithfully do this way since last 2500 years ago.  

 

        
 Our new year usually falls on mid April and we celebrate 5 days of pouring water and the New year day . Yes 5 days :). Here is the interesting way called "Water Festival". People pouring water all day during the festival days. Usually it stars from morning 8am to 6pm. We play the whole day pouring water to each other but nobody get sick. Some people even use iced water to pour others. You can go around and visit uncountable water pouring stations  around the city or you can play water on a stations. Many people enjoy to go around by car or motorcycle with their friends or family. Many kids enjoy our new year. Every one plays with sweet smile and that feeling can't be forgotten. I would say the most awesome festival and my most favorite event ever.

                     

              You can go around and visit uncountable water pouring stations  around the city or you can play water on a stations. Many people enjoy to go around by a car or motorcycle with their friends or family. There are many live performances and entertainment around the city.

 
              This is a image of how people enjoy their new year event at suburb area (village).  As you can see people use a horse carriage instead of cars to go around and enjoy water festival.

 

              When I talk about Thingyan, I can't forget about the flower called Pa Dout. That flower is very unique and has very sweet and lovely story. That flower is blossomed only once in a year. And it blossom when the Pa Dout tree has the first rain in the season. Pa Dout faithfully do this way since last 2500 years ago.

           During the lunch time in the festival, there are many food counters where there are free flow of different variety of seasonal foods and snacks for free.  Usually the water pouring station owner take care of food and beverages for the guest. The image on the left is a sweet drink  called 'Shwe Yin Aye' which means making people heart cool. 

                

At the new year day, First day of our calendar, we usually go to pagoda and monastery to do meditation and praying. Some people visit to orphan or retirement house for donation. And we usually get some pocket money from old people where we visit. So, many young kids like us enjoy visiting and participating in new year day.

               Similar to Myanmar new year, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia also celebrate their new year like us.