water festival essay in english

Essay on Water Festival In Myanmar

Students are often asked to write an essay on Water Festival In Myanmar in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Water Festival In Myanmar

Introduction to water festival.

The Water Festival in Myanmar, known as Thingyan, marks the beginning of the Burmese New Year. This festival is one of the most awaited events in Myanmar, celebrated with joy and enthusiasm across the country.

How It Is Celebrated

During the festival, people splash water on each other. The idea is that water will wash away bad luck and sins from the past year. Streets are filled with people carrying buckets, water guns, and hoses, ready to soak anyone in sight.

Significance of the Festival

The Water Festival symbolizes purity and the washing away of the old to welcome the new year. It’s a time for joy, forgiveness, and new beginnings. Families and friends gather, share meals, and enjoy traditional performances together.

Thingyan is more than just a water fight; it’s a meaningful celebration that brings people together, fostering a sense of community and renewal. It is a time for Myanmar people to celebrate life, unity, and hope for the future.

250 Words Essay on Water Festival In Myanmar

Water festival in myanmar, history and significance.

The Water Festival has been celebrated in Myanmar for centuries, and it is believed to have originated from an ancient animistic belief that water has the power to cleanse and purify. During the festival, people throw water at each other to wash away bad luck and evil spirits.

Rituals and Traditions

The Water Festival is a five-day celebration that begins on the last day of the Burmese calendar year and ends on the first day of the new year. During this time, people engage in various rituals and traditions, such as building and decorating temporary pavilions called mandapas, offering food and water to monks, and participating in water-throwing processions.

Music and Dance

The Water Festival is a vibrant and joyous celebration that is deeply rooted in Myanmar’s culture and traditions. It is a time for families and friends to come together, celebrate the new year, and wash away the bad luck of the past year.

500 Words Essay on Water Festival In Myanmar

What is water festival, celebration of water festival, other activities.

In addition to water throwing, there are many other activities that take place during the Water Festival. These include traditional dancing and music, fireworks, and boat races. There are also many food stalls and markets where people can buy food and drinks.

Significance of Water Festival in Myanmar Culture

The Water Festival is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate the New Year and the end of the hot season. It is also a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the year to come. The festival is a reminder of the importance of water in Burmese culture. Water is essential for life and is used for many purposes, including drinking, cooking, and bathing. The Water Festival is a time to celebrate the water and to give thanks for the many benefits that it brings.

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• The Origins Of The Thingyan...

The Origins Of The Thingyan Festival, Burma

Burma ’s answer to Thailand’s Songkran, and Cambodia’s Chaul Chnam Thmey, is Thingyan. It’s the annual water festival, which celebrates the coming of the new year with a nationwide display of performances, religious ceremonies and, bucket loads of water. It’s a sight to see and not to be missed if you are visiting the country in April.

What is the thingyan festival.

The Thingyan Festival runs, roughly, from 13th to 16th April each year; and signifies the end of the hot, dry season, as well as the chance to take stock, reflect and wash away the previous year’s misgivings or bad luck. It’s also a time of national celebration with state and sponsor-funded gatherings including water soaking stations, music and more.

Thingyan traditions and ceremonies

The eve of the start of Thingyan, or a-kyo nei, marks the beginning of celebrations, with Buddhists expected to adhere to what’s called the Eight Precepts. This includes three additional clauses to the standard Five Precepts, which make up the basic code that Buddhists live by (think along the lines of the 10 commandments). Offerings are made to the monks as well as to shrines and images of Buddha, and it’s a time to be thankful for what the year has provided. It’s at night that things really kick off in earnest, when the festival vibe takes hold with music, dancing, and singing filling neighborhoods across the country, which last for the following few days.

Huge bamboo platforms, or pandals , are erected in the run up to Thingyan, with rows of brightly colored hose pipes dangling downwards. Often sponsored by brands, these platforms are the focus of the celebrations in each area, from quiet country roads to the centre of the biggest cities such as Yangon and Mandalay. It’s not until New Year’s Day, the fourth day of celebrations, that things start to settle down again as people take time to visit family and prepare themselves for the coming year. It’s usually safe to go outside if you’re trying to avoid yet another soaking, as the water throwing stops (in theory), and people focus on acts of kindness such as releasing captive birds and fish, while special feasts are held for monks.

The festival is celebrated in slightly different ways in states around the country. For example, in the Shan state to the east of Burma, it is called Sangkyan, while in Rakhine State to the west, the people observe three other traditional ceremonies, and in Mon state to the southeast, a special dish made of dried snakehead fish, onions, beeswax, and green mangoes is served up to the many. The local nuances reflect the differences between the states in Burma – each has an identity of its own.

Thingyan Festival Today

While many people still take part in the religious ceremonies, there’s no denying that the festival has evolved into a giant party. What started as a traditional sprinkle of water from one person to another symbolising cleansing has developed into a massive water fight, albeit a good natured and fabulously fun one. There aren’t many places in the world where you will willingly see fully uniformed police officers soaked to the skin, standing under gushing hose pipes, just keeping an eye on things. This, in a nutshell, says everything you need to know about Thingyan: a joyous time filled with gratitude and lively antics.

Don’t miss the cultural shows (if you’re in Yangon, head to the Sule Pagoda, where you’ll find the city’s biggest party, officially operated water canons included) with traditional dancing and singing, but keep an eye out for wily locals with water pistols and ice cold buckets just waiting to pounce on unsuspecting tourists. It truly is a brilliant experience.

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Tips For Making The Most Of Thingyan

As Thingyan is at the end of the dry season, it’s unsurprising that April is the hottest month of the year in Burma; with daily highs heading towards the 40°C mark, alongside extreme heat and humidity to boot. While some people are put off visiting at this time because of the intense heat, there are big bonuses to going just outside of the peak season if you like it hot: sites can be quieter, transport easier to book, and accommodation (which is limited in terms of capacity in certain areas) more readily available. On top of this, if your trip coincides with the Thingyan Festival, you’re in for a real treat – you’d be crazy to miss it if you are planning to go in April.

There are however, a few practicalities to consider as the country basically goes on hold for three days. While April is good overall for finding accommodation, the Thingyan Festival is a national holiday, so places get booked up quickly during this time – book your stay in advance to guarantee a hotel, guesthouse or hostel where you want.

As with accommodation, much of the country is on the move during Thingyan, so book your travel in advance whether it’s by bus, train or car. For the same reason, don’t expect the cafes, restaurants or shops to be open – plan for street eats and entrepreneurial stalls surreptitiously selling overpriced, lukewarm cans of beer.

Do be prepared to chat to the locals. There’s a jovial, friendly atmosphere and, as it is one of the most welcoming countries in the world, people will want to talk to you, not to mention get you nice and wet. Which leads nicely on to the final point: be prepared to get very, very wet! Don’t wear anything expensive as the water isn’t necessarily clean, and remember to dress with consideration if you’re going to be soaked to the skin; you’ll find plenty of folk selling plastic wallets for your phone so you can keep them dry while still being able to snap away.

About the author

Kirsten is a travel writer and editor with a passion for the Middle East, North Africa, and generally being outdoors. She’s a SOAS graduate, former Hong Kong expat, and member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, as well as the head of content at Weather2Travel.com. Usually found tweeting travel at @kirstenjh.

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Myanmar Water Festival

Water festival is called as Thingyan in Myanmar, the most significant annual holidays and it is the New Year in Buddha calendar. The celebration lasts for 5 days usually from 13 April to 17 April throughout the country. It is also one of the most popular Burmese festivals among foreigners.

Table of Contents

1. Meanings

3. activities, 4. advice for the visitors.

Thingyan marks the end of hot & dry season and the start of the New Year along with the rainy season that would make the green forests flourish once again.

Most of people misunderstand the Water Festival to be the same as New Year in Myanmar. In fact, Water Festival is one of the activities to celebrate Myanmar’s New Year. New Year Day falls on the day after the Water Festival ends.

For four days before New Year’s Day, the tradition claims that everybody in Myanmar shall splash water on others in order to clean from bad lucks. Myanmar’s Thingyan could be compared to Thailand’s Songkran. Both are New Year Festivals with lots of water splashing and both happen in April.

Thingyan is also a favourite time for shinbyu novitiation ceremonies for boys – when they join the monks (Sangha) and spend a short time in a monastery. It is akin to coming of age ceremonies in other religions.

Thingyan is 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). After losing, 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 it 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 and another taking turns for a year each. Another version shows that the head was entrusted to Nats who are the guardians of the Myanmar. Anyway, the New Year still marked the changing of hands of Brahma’s head and is celebrated by Thingyan festival .

The First Day (Thinyan Eve) – called a-kyo nei in Myanmar: The start of a variety of religious activities.

During the daytime, there are many religious activities, including almsgiving and offerings, washing figures of Buddha and cleaning the temples. Each family puts myrtle branches on their front door, to prevent disaster and bad luck. At night, many pavilions and stages are set up, well-decorated with wood and bamboo where people can enjoy shows and dance.

The Second Day – a-kya nei: Thagya Min makes his descent from the heavens to earth. Symbolic cannon fire starts the day and the water splashing begins.

In the rural areas of Myanmar, locals soak sprigs of thabyay (jambul) in a silver bowl to create scented water, and gently sprinkle this water on others. But in the big cities like Yangon and Mandalay, the celebration is much crazier. In addition to traditional bowls and cups, hoses, huge syringes, water pistols and other devices are widely used by locals and foreigners.

Not only getting wet by splash water during the festival, travelers will have so much fun with performances by puppeteers, orchestras, dance troupes, comedians, film stars and singers, including modern pop groups.

The Third Day – a-kyat nei: which may run on an extra day in certain years, so activities are the same as the second day.

The Fourth Day – a-tet nei: The last day when Thagya Min returns to the heavens. The water splashing stops.

During this day, people eat a kind of traditional snack called mont lone yei baw (glutinous rice balls with palm sugar). The whole community helps to cook it; the balls are thrown into boiling water in a huge wok and served as soon as they resurface. It’s good fun joining the young men and women to make this. But please be careful when you eat it, since just for fun some pranksters sometimes put chili inside instead of palm sugar.

The Fifth Day – New year’s Day – hnit hsan ta yet nei: The start of the Burmese month of Tagu.

In this day, people visit their elders and pay obeisance by gadaw (also called shihko) with a traditional offering of water in a terracotta pot and shampoo. Young people wash the hair of the elderly often in the traditional manner with shampoo beans (Acacia rugata) and bark.

As well as hair washing, people make food donations called satuditha and typically provide free food to those participating in the New Year’s celebrations. Releasing fish (nga hlut pwe) is another tradition on this day, fish are rescued from drying lakes and rivers, and released into larger lakes and rivers with a prayer and a wish saying “I release you once, you release me ten times.”

• As there is the increase of move of local people, travelers are recommended to book hotels, and transportations (flight, bus, car) well in advance. • Everybody should expect to get wet, so keep your phone, camera and other valuables in a waterproof bag. • The temperature in day time can be reach 40 degree Celcius. Protect your skin by sun cream, hat and suitable clothes. • Flat sandal is highly recommended as you may need to walk on the street. It is also convenient as you are required to take off shoes and socks when entering temples. • Don’t splash old people, monks, pregnant women or drivers. • During the festival, banks, restaurants and shops will be closed. So make sure to withdraw enough cash and buy some snacks in case you have problem with food on the streets. • Burmese people will highly appreciate if you can say Happy New Year in Burmese. It is “hnit thit ku mingalar pa”

Thingyan is the perfect period to visit Myanmar and get to know the hospitality and friendliness of the people. If you plan to visit Myanmar on this special occasion, let Myanmar Travel to assist you to make a wonderful plan.

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Myanmar Travel Guide

Myanmar water festival (thingyan) | burmese new year 2021.

Myanmar Water Festival, also known as Thingyan Water Festival, is the most expected celebration of Burmese people. Taking place to celebrate the New Year party annually, this is a wonderful event for not only local people but also tourists traveling to the country during the holiday to indulge in the delightful moment and pray for a better year. In the heat of Myanmar summer, expect to get wet by the cool water among thousands of people, scream aloud and leave all the stress behind. If you are looking for an essential guide for the Thingyan water festival in Myanmar - the highlight of Burma tours  in April, just have a look at this useful information below to gain insight about its history,  activities, and how people celebrate it.

History of  Thingyan Festival in Myanmar

The history of the Thingyan water festival in Myanmar dating back from a very long time ago originated from the Buddhist version of a Hindu myth. Thingyan, in Sanskrit language (the language of ancient India), means "transit of the Sun from Pisces to Aries. The legend said that the Thingyan festival is an event to henceforth signify the changing hands of the Brahma's head – a powerful deity that lost his head in a gamble with Devas. Nowadays, the Thingyan water festival in Myanmar is renowned as the most cherished event for people to wish for good health and luck to all people who attend. The Neighbor country, Vietnam celebrate Vietnam new year festival in February following Lunar Calendar.

How Burmese People Celebrate Thingyan Festival

Activities in thingyan festival.

There were several versions of how Burmese people celebrate the Thingyan festival. In the past, the water festival in Myanmar is varied from region to region. If in Mon State, people often prepare a special dish from dried snakehead fish, onion, green mangoes, and beeswax, in Shan State, people observe three other traditional celebrations in the water festival. Notwithstanding these differences, the first day of the Thingyan Water Festival is an occasion to take place in many religious activities.

Normally, the Thingyan water festival in Myanmar lasts for five days. The first day is the Thingyan Eve, people go to the temples and pagodas to observe the Buddhist relief, offer to monks, wash the Buddha image, and pray for their life. The water fighting festival in Myanmar starts on the second day when Thagya Min – who is considered the King of Nat makes his descent from heaven to the earth. This amazing day is marked with the firing of a water cannon shot into the public area. This time, people will pour out the street and collect the water with pots and buckets, some are armed with water guns and the street is soaked by the water. Burmese people believe that water will drive out bad luck and purify the sin of people in the last year.

Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw are two destinations that witness the biggest celebration of the Thingyan festival. During the festival time, there will be many trucks run around the street to pick up people. Burmese people are friendly and hospitable. Therefore, if you expect to be picked and roll out with them to experience the madness of the festival, they are always welcome you with an open arm. The third and fourth days are two following days of the water fighting. Attending the festival, tourists are able to enjoy another highlight of the Thingyan festival: the free food distribution on the street including some hot coffee, fried noodles, and traditional Thingyan snacks. Don't be surprised that you will not have to spend any money to enjoy it! Burmese people are happy to give it to everyone! Together with the lively water fighting, traveling to the Golden Rock in Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is also a favorite activity for prayers and worshipers. However, you should remember that traveling out of Yangon during the festival can be pricey cause transportation is limited for 5 days of the festival.

Mouth-watering Thingyan Food in Myanmar Water Festival 

Like many other festivals in the world, the Myanmar water festival also has its own food. Each with a unique taste and flavor.

1. Mont Lat Saung

Mont Lat Saung is a Burmese traditional drink made from sugar or palm sugar and rice jelly shaped like worms mixed with coconut milk. On the occasion of the Thingyan water festival in Myanmar, you can easily find it on every street vendor in the city.

2. Shwe-yin-aye & Mont-lat-saung

This is a favorite dessert of Burmese people in the Thingyan water festival made from bread, sticky rice with jaggery caramel sauce. It is much similar to Mont Lat Saung but it has extra bread and sticky rice.

3. Mote Lone Yay Paw

Mote Lone Yay Paw is a traditional sweet snack in the Thingyan festival made from palm sugar put inside glue rice and coconut milk creating sticky rice balls.

4. Thingyan hta-min

Thingyan hta-min (or water festival rice set) is a special dish of Burmese cooked in scented water and prepare with intricated steps to create a dish that reaches a new level of rice perfection. Originated in Mon State in the southern part of Myanmar, so far, it has been eaten widely all over the country. Once finding yourself at the water festival of Myanmar, don't miss your chance to enjoy it!

Myanmar Water Festival in 2021: Info & Travel Guides

Whenever you decide to travel for a water festival tour in Myanmar 2021, there are always some significant things you might want to master.

Essential Tips for Traveling to Myanmar

• Traveling to Myanmar, you will realize that taxis are a bit expensive cause there is no meter. Therefore, negotiating is necessary before getting in. Besides, means of public transportation are limited during the holiday but trains are available.
• When attending the water fight on the street, remember to use water-resistant bags to protect your electric devices
• There will be massive people pour out the street during the water festival time, thus, keep eyes on the important belongings when you bring them together
• People who join the water festival in Myanmar are free to throw the water at each other. Nevertheless, do not throw the water at the monks, the elders, and motorbike drivers.
• To adapt well when you traveling to Myanmar for the first time, read  dos and don'ts in Myanmar  to ensure there won't be any problems while traveling in the country.
• Burmese people will highly appreciate it if you can say Happy New Year in Burmese. It is "hnit thit ku mingalar pa "

When is the Best Time to Enjoy Myanmar Water Festival?

The water festival in Myanmar begins on April 13 to April 16, Go Myanmar Tours offers Myanmar water festival tour package 13 days for tourists to soak up this biggest festival in Burma. The sooner you contact us, the better the promotion you will receive!

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Cambodia Archives

Unveiling Insights about Cambodia

The Cambodian Water Festival

Cambodian Water Festival Overview

The Cambodian Water Festival, also known as Bon Om Touk or Om Tuk, is a vibrant and enchanting event that typically spans three days in November (usually on the 14th, 15th, and 16th). This grand festival takes place at the Chaktomuk River, in front of the Royal Palace, and is composed of three distinct festivities: Boat Racing, Floating Lanterns, and Moon Worshiping. As one of the largest ceremonies in Cambodia, it holds great significance, ranking below the Khmer New Year. During this time, people from all corners of Cambodia flock to Phnom Penh to witness the thrilling boat races that unfold on the Chatomuk River, right in front of the royal palace.

A Celebration Rooted in History

The roots of the Cambodian Water Festival can be traced back to a historic event. It serves as a commemoration of the victory of the Khmer navy, led by King Jayavarman VII, over the Cham soldiers who had occupied their land for four years from 1177 to 1181. The historical importance of these events is brilliantly depicted in the bas-reliefs adorning the Bayon and Banteay Chhmar temples.

The three-day Water Festival consists of three distinct ceremonies:

The Boat Racing Ceremony

Boat races take place on the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, typically in front of the royal palace in Phnom Penh. Dragon boats, manned by teams of around 30 to 40 individuals, compete in thrilling races. Each boat has a person dancing gracefully on the bow, encouraging the rowers with the rhythm of the drums. The races occur during daylight hours over three days, with elimination rounds leading up to the final race on the third day. The boat racing ceremony is not only a thrilling spectacle but also carries historical and cultural significance. However, it serving as a commemoration of the ancient Khmer Navy depicted in the carvings of the Bayon and Banteay Chhmar temples.

Floating Lanterns (Pratip)

The lanterns are intricately designed and decorated with a variety of colours, often bearing symbolic meanings. These are then illuminated from within, often by candles, creating an attractive reddish-yellow glow that reflects beautifully on the water. As night falls, these illuminated lanterns are carefully set afloat on the water, creating a spectacle of twinkling lights that dance along the river’s surface. The floating of the lanterns isn’t just for visual delight, but it also carries a profound significance. It is conducted to pay tribute to the Mekong and the Tonle Sap River, a lifeline that provides water for daily use and agricultural activities. The ceremony is also believed to bring good luck, as the floating lanterns carry away troubles and misfortune, making way for blessings and prosperity.

Moon Worshiping (Sampeah Preah Khe)

Moon Worshiping, also known as Sampeah Preah Khe, is a significant ceremony that is held on the final day of the Cambodian Water Festival, coinciding with the appearance of the full moon. This ancient tradition is a profound act of reverence and gratitude towards the moon. During the Sampeah Preah Khe ceremony, Cambodians gather with their families to pay their respects and seek blessings from the moon. This is done through various customs and rituals that often involve the offering of food, lighting of candles, and burning of incense.

A crucial part of this ceremony is the making and sharing of a traditional dessert called “Ambok”. Ambok is a type of fried rice that is typically used with coconut juice or sugar palm juice, creating a sweet and savory treat that is enjoyed by all. The act of preparing and sharing Ambok is not just a festive activity, but it is also a symbol of unity, generosity, and communal spirit among the Cambodian people. In addition to Ambok, the ceremony also features a variety of fruits harvested by local farmers, further emphasizing the importance of agriculture and the gratitude towards nature’s bounty.

The Cambodian Water Festival is a captivating and meaningful event that showcases the rich traditions, history, and spiritual beliefs of the Cambodian people. It’s a celebration that transcends entertainment, serving as a powerful reminder of past victories, a time for letting go of negativity, and a chance to express gratitude for the blessings of water and the moon.

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