WITH regard to Myanmar’s Maha Thingyan festival, the entire nation has welcomed the joyous news that Myanmar’s traditional New Year, the Atā Thingyan festival, has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity – a decision made during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2024.
It is a great opportunity for all citizens residing in Myanmar to take pride in preserving the intangible heritage of the country’s traditional Maha Thingyan festival. Although similar water-throwing festivals are celebrated in neighbouring countries, the Maha Thingyan festival remains a uniquely cherished tradition in Myanmar. Some experts and scholars have noted that Thingyan activities may have roots in Hindu culture; however, this does not diminish its significance as a distinct cultural expression of the Myanmar people.
Actually, the people of Myanmar have been enjoying the water-throwing activities of the Maha Thingyan Festival for thousands of years. The festival has its roots in Hindu culture, but the Myanmar people have embraced and transformed it into a uniquely Myanmar tradition. It is celebrated not only with water-throwing but also with acts of care and respect – such as shampooing, manicuring, and bathing senior citizens – as well as offering food to people as meritorious deeds. These practices reflect the spirit of generosity and community. As such, the Thingyan Festival has evolved to embody the rich traditions of Myanmar society, involving people from various ethnic backgrounds across the country, while no longer directly reflecting its Hindu origins.
During the festival, splashing water on one another symbolizes spreading happiness and bringing coolness to the community. Moreover, this activity helps reduce the heat during the peak of summer, making the temperature more comfortable for everyone. Thanks to the water festival, the increased moisture in the environment can benefit plant growth by keeping the ground wet. In this way, the festival also contributes to environmental conservation.
People joyfully participate in the water-splashing festivities to cleanse and fortify their souls, preparing themselves to enter the New Year free from anxieties and past hardships. With renewed inspiration, they seek to begin the year with refreshed spirits, leaving behind any evil deeds. They aspire to embrace both physical and mental well-being, as well as the refreshing atmosphere of the new season. Only by purifying their own minds can they help others shift their perspectives. In doing so, they open the door to experiencing the most meaningful New Year beyond the Maha Thingyan festival.
