Maha Thingyan (Water Festival) in Myanmar ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Maha Thingyan (Water Festival) in Myanmar and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Maha Thingyan is the Myanmar New Year Water Festival. It is celebrated over a period of ten days, from the first to the tenth day of the Myanmar month of Tagu (April). The main event of the festival is the splashing of water on family, friends and strangers alike.
The origin of the festival is said to date back to the time of the Buddha, when he visited Myanmar and taught the people about the four elements. Water is one of these elements, and it is believed that by splashing water on others during Maha Thingyan, they will be purified and have good luck in the new year.
Maha Thingyan is also a time for celebration and feasting. Families and friends get together to eat traditional Myanmar dishes, listen to music and dance. On the last day of the festival, people visit pagodas and temples to make offerings and pray for a prosperous new year.