NSS – Sep 27

An historian and intellectual society from Sittway, Rakhine State, is trying to submit the Rakhine traditional Thingyan to be included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list.

They held discussions with officials from the Department of Archaeology and National Museum during the second week of September.

The discussion highlighted that Rakhine traditional Thingyan isn’t very similar to Myanmar’s Water Festival and Thailand’s Songkran.  

The Rakhine Traditional Thingyan Festival is characterized by several distinct features:

The festivities commence with the offering of incense on 12 April, a day preceding the official start of Thingyan.

On the second day, 13 April, participants use perfumed water derived from the incense to offer holy water, symbolizing purification and renewal.

From the third day, spanning 14 to 17 April, traditional boat water play is held and it adds a unique dimension to the festivity.

Young men visit towns and villages in bullock carts during this period, playing melodious rhythms with drums and cymbals, bringing in vibrant energy into the celebration.

16 April is marked as the official Thingyan Day. On this day, morning alms are offered, and in the evening, visits to pagodas are made to offer water at designated birth corners, adhering to a deep-rooted cultural practice.

Following the traditional celebrations, the sixth day, 17 April, signifies the New Year's Day. On this auspicious day, various acts of benevolence are carried out, such as paying homage to elders and releasing fish and animals. Additionally, traditional Rakhine customs, such as washing one's head in front of the house and placing a pot in front of the house, continue to be faithfully observed.

The rigorous efforts of these historians and writers from Rakhine State aim to secure UNESCO recognition for Rakhine traditional Thingyan, preserving and celebrating a cherished cultural heritage for generations to come.