Thingyan: Myanmar's New Year Water Festival

Myanmar · water festival · new year · celebration

Water throws mean cleansing. The symbolic throwing of water during Thingyan represents washing away sins and bad luck from the previous year, giving everyone a fresh start for the new one.

Four to five days of fun. Thingyan usually happens in the middle of April and includes water fights with buckets and water guns, especially during the first four days, making streets alive with joy and soaking.

Music and dance everywhere. The streets fill with temporary stages called pandal where dancers and musicians perform, creating a lively party atmosphere throughout the entire festival.

Based on old calendars. Thingyan marks the transition to a new year according to Myanmar's traditional lunisolar calendar, which counts months based on both the moon and the sun.

Most important holiday. Thingyan is one of the most anticipated public holidays across Myanmar, with people gathering together to celebrate and spend time with family and friends.