The Thingyan Water Festival in Myanmar is not only a vibrant celebration but also a deeply meaningful cultural, spiritual, and historical event. Recognized by UNESCO, the traditional Ata Thingyan New Year Festival has been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The History of Thingyan – Myanmar’s Water Festival
Thingyan (from the Pali word Sankranta) is the traditional New Year celebration of the Myanmar people, typically held in mid-April, according to the Myanmar and Buddhist calendars. The word “Thingyan” means “transition,” symbolizing the shift from the old year to the new, as well as the changing of the seasons.
In 2025, Thingyan will be held from Sunday, April 13, and conclude with New Year’s Day on April 17, specifically:
- April 13: The opening day (Pre-Thingyan), marked by religious rituals and prayers.
- April 14–16: The official days of celebration, highlighted by joyful water-throwing activities in the streets.
- April 17: New Year’s Day, a time for rest, family gatherings, and good deeds.
Thingyan is believed to be the oldest water festival in the world and one of Myanmar’s largest and most cherished traditional holidays. People ride on decorated boats and splash water on each other. Similar to traditions in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, Myanmar people believe that water washes away the misfortunes of the past year and brings blessings for the year ahead.
The origins of Thingyan stem from Buddhist legends and ancient Indian culture. According to myth, King Thagyamin (akin to the deity Indra) descends to Earth each year to observe the good and bad deeds of humanity. Therefore, Thingyan is also a time to:
- Perform acts of kindness and help others
- Bathe and pour water to cleanse away negative things from the past
- Pray for a peaceful and pure new beginning
While water-pouring initially had spiritual significance—symbolizing the cleansing of sins, sorrow, and misfortune—it later evolved into joyful public celebrations with water guns, buckets, and floral-decorated vehicles flooding the streets.
Traditional Activities During Thingyan:
- Splashing water in neighborhoods and villages
- Offering food and alms to temples
- Donating to and caring for the elderly and the needy
- Performing traditional music, dance, and plays
- Engaging in community games and cultural exchanges
How Long Does the Festival Last?
Typically, Thingyan lasts 4 to 5 days, ending with the official New Year’s Day. After the festival, people start their new year by visiting pagodas, seeing relatives, and starting fresh with work and life.
Thingyan has always been a time for cleansing, healing, and turning toward goodness. And this year, following the devastating earthquake that has deeply affected Myanmar, may the flowing water of Thingyan bring renewal, hope, and strength – not only in rebuilding physically but also spiritually and emotionally.
Wishing the Myanmar community in Vietnam and around the world a peaceful Thingyan and a bright new beginning!
