Water Festival (Thingyan Festival)
Festival Durations
Thingyan usually lasts 4 to 5 days, starting around mid-April (typically April 13th to 16th or 17th). The celebration marks the traditional Myanmar New Year and is based on the lunar calendar.
Day 1: “A-Kyo Nei” – The eve of Thingyan, when religious rituals begin, such as offering food to monks and releasing fish or birds as acts of merit.
Days 2–4: “A-Kya Nei,” “A-Kyat Nei,” and “A-Tet Nei” – The main water-throwing days when people take to the streets to splash water on one another, symbolizing the washing away of sins and bad luck from the previous year.
New Year Day – The day after the water festival ends, usually April 17th, is a more peaceful day focused on family, paying respect to elders, and making offerings at pagodas.
Tips to Enjoy the Celebration of the Festival
Dress Properly: Wear light, quick-drying clothes. T-shirts and shorts are best. Avoid white or thin fabric.
Protect Your Belongings: Use waterproof bags or covers for your phone, wallet, and camera.
Be Respectful: Don’t splash water on monks, elders, babies, or people who don’t want to get wet.
Stay Safe: Be cautious in crowds and on slippery roads. Avoid riding motorbikes during heavy splashing.
Hydrate and Use Sunscreen: It’s hot season, so drink water often and protect your skin from the sun.
Where to Celebrate the Festival?
Yangon
Large water pavilions (called “mandats”) are set up around the city.
Places like Kandawgyi, Inya Road, and major intersections host music and celebrity performances.
Mandalay
Known for high-energy celebrations with music, dancing, and widespread water play.
Mandalay Palace and 26th Street are popular party zones.
Nay Pyi Taw
Government-led celebrations with organized stages and cultural shows.
Small Towns & Villages
More traditional and spiritual. Focus on making merits, cleaning pagodas, and visiting elders.
Activities
Water Splashing
Symbolizes cleansing of sins and bad luck. People throw water using buckets, hoses, or water guns.
Traditional Dance & Music
“Yein” dances and folk songs performed by groups in colorful dress.
Street Performances
Live music, comedy skits, and cultural showcases at mandats
Making Merit
Offering food to monks, releasing fish or birds, cleaning pagodas.
New Year Visits
Pay respect to elders, offer shampoo or scented water to wash their hair.
Special Foods
Enjoy traditional Thingyan dishes like Mont Lone Yay Baw (glutinous rice balls), Shwe Yin Aye, and seasonal fruits.