Happy Thingyan Festival

What is Myanmar Water Festival or Thingyan?

Myanmar water festival Thingyan is official bank holiday and celebrated between 13-17 April 2018.
Understanding Thingyan
Water festival is the most significant annual festival on the Myanmar calendar; it marks the start of the New Year, the beginning of the Myanmar lunar calendar and celebrates life and rebirth. The correct Myanmar name for water festival is Thingyan, however outside Myanmar it is often referred to as the water festival.
History
The story behind Thingyan originated from the Buddhist version of a Hindu myth. The story goes that the King of Brahmas called Arsi, lost a wager to the King of Devas, Sakra (or Thagya Min as he is known in Myanmar). On losing the wager Arsi was decapitated and the head of an elephant was put onto his body (transforming him into Ganesha). The Brahma was so powerful that if the head were thrown into the sea it would dry up immediately. If I were thrown up into the air the sky would burst into frames. Sakra therefore commanded that the Brahma’s head be carried by one princess devi after another taking turns for a year each. The New Year henceforth marked the changing of hands of Brahma’s head and is celebrated by Thingyan festival.
The Days of Thingyan
First Day – Thinyan Eve – called a-kyo nei: in Myanmar: The start of a variety of religious activities.
Second Day – a-kya nei: Thagya Min makes his descent from the heavens to earth. The water throwing starts.
Third Day – a-kyat nei: which may run on an extra day in certain years.
Fourth Day – a-tet nei: The last day when Thagya Min returns to the heavens. The water throwing stops.
Fifth Day – New year’s Day – hnit hsan ta yet nei: The start of the Burmese month of Tagu. Many people make New Year resolutions.

Wishing you a Happy Thingyan Festival and a Wonderful New Year .