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Thingyan Water Festival
marks the start of the Burmese lunar calendar New Year, which occurs in
mid-April—at the height of summer heat. The festival is celebrated
with water as a symbol of the follow of time, washing away past misdeeds
to provide spiritual renewal, and greeting the up-coming monsoon to bring
a bountiful new beginning. The three-day festival in Burma is celebrated with splashing water, performances, courtship, and general good cheer. The elders of the family and community are treated to special services, such as hair washing, massage, house cleaning, and cooking elaborate meals. Interestingly, this used to be the only time when some of the social constraints are suspended enabling anyone to express their grievances and opinions freely and publicly through skits and songs. Since April can still be cold in New York, the Water Festival is usually celebrated here in mid-July. We have been offering the Rakhaing waterplay—one of the tribes of multi-ethnic Burma. We also enjoy food and games from all over Burma. Our internationally renown festival is the largest Burmese cultural event outside Burma. |
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THINGYAN WEBSITE • 2005 |
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