27 February

The 3rd Myanmar Thanakha Festival will be held from 27 to 29 March at the Kyauktawgyi pagoda at the bottom of the Mandalay Hill in Aungmyethazan Township, and it will feature a Bagan cultural display, said U Kyaw Moe, chair of the Myanmar Thanakha Association, which is organizing the festival.

“What would be unique at this festival would be the Bagan cultural displays, which will start from the entrance. Traditional items of Bagan era will be exhibited at the festival. The event will link Thanakha growers with cosmetics producers and bring opportunities to extend the Thanakha market,” he said.

The three-day Thanakha expo will feature more than 50 booths. It will also include a Miss Thanakha contest, performances, and quiz shows. Exhibitors keen on joining the festival can reach the Myanmar Thanakha Association at 09400531505 for further details. Meanwhile, the Myanmar Thanakha stakeholders have asked the government to declare the Tabodwe Full Moon Day, as Thanakha Day. As part of a concerted effort to achieve this, they have held Thanakha festivals in five cities — Shwebo, Ayadaw, Yesagyo, Myaing, and Pauk.

Thanakha, a yellowish-white paste made from ground bark, is a natural cosmetic used in Myanmar. It is a distinctive feature of Myanmar culture. — Min Htet Aung (Mandalay Sub-printing House) (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)