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Myanmar Festivals and Events
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Spirit Festival
Taungpyone,
Taungpyone Nat or the Spirit Festival is a popular five-day
event held in Taungpyone near Mandalay. Tradition says that,
Nats are spirits that must be appeased or they will wreak
havoc in peoples lives and homes.
This story of the two Nat Brothers originated during the rule
of King Anawrahta, when it was the duty of every person in
the kingdom to contribute a brick and a handful of sand for
the construction of a Pagoda.
The brothers failed to contribute their share and orders came
from the King for them to be mildly punished for what they
have done but, unfortunately the Nat Brothers were accidentally
killed.
The King was so remorseful that he built a big Nat that is
a spirit shrine by the side of the Pagoda in honor of the
two brothers that were killed. Because of this the homage-paying
festival is now held annually to appease the spirits as it
is believed that the Nat Brothers can fulfill your wishes,
bring good luck, protect you from ill-fate and danger, bring
you prosperity and progress.
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Independence Day
Yangon, 4th January
On the 4th of January, Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar
is celebrated all across the country. Countless parades and
fairs, marks this an important day and everyone joins in the
celebrations.
The Myanmar Traditional Equestrian Festival or Myin-Khin-Thabin
is a national festival which is held annually in Yangon in
ancient times, this festival provides the Myanmar Kings with
the opportunity to demonstrate their military might, but today
its main purpose is for the perpetuation of Myanmar patriotism.
It is a fantastic occasion and tourists are warmly welcomed
to participate in the many celebrations.
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Harvest Festival
Month of Februrary
This is the month of the Harvest Festival when people rejoice
in the feast of Htamane.
No one would miss this opportunity to sample a delicious Myanmar
delicacy that consists of glutinous rice freckle with coconut,
sesame seeds, peanuts, ginger and oil, which is specially
prepared for the feast.
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Thingyan
Venues across the country, February 12
The Thingyan festival that is the anniversary of the Union
Day falls on February 12. Representatives and cultural troupes
of the seven States and seven Divisions of the Union of Myanmar
will be dressed in colorful and traditional costumes and gather
at venues across the country.
Traditional entertainment highlights the beauty of the different
ethnic groups that are found within the Union.
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Pagoda Festivals
March, 2000
The Shwedagon Pagoda Festival is held on the day of the full
moon of Tabaung in March and is one of the biggest events
in the year. During this festival, visitors can get a feel
of the spirituality of the people of Myanmar by participating
in events at temple fairs or by observing the rituals of the
holiday.
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Water Festival
Throughout the country, April, 2000
In the month of April this Water Festival is held throughout
the country, for three days. It marks the end of the old year
and beginning of the new. Young people gather together to
sing and dance, and to playfully throw water on each other.
Throughout the Thingyan Carnivals decorative floats and water
throwing paddles are seen everywhere in both towns and cities
alike. If you are not afraid of getting wet, this high spirited
festival is one that you won't want to miss!
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Buddhist Festivals
Month of June and July
The onset of monsoon season makes June and July relatively
quiet months in Myanmar. There are however, various smaller
Buddhist festivals to be enjoyed by all, and not to be missed.
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Phaung-Daw-Oo Pagoda Festival
Inle Lake, September
The famous festival of the Phaung-Daw-Oo Pagoda is held at
Inle Lake once a year during the month of September. This
festival consists of leg rowers and is a sight not to be missed
by anyone visiting Myanmar.
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Boat Regatta Festival
Kandawgyi Lake, December
The traditional Boat Regatta Festival is held to remind the
younger generations of the glory, sovereignty and national
spirit of the country of Myanmar.
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