Date : 14th April 2019
Time : 12:00 to 18:00
Location : Swinton Mesonic Hall
Please be aware that the location that was initially posted is incorrect. The location of the Thingyan Pwe is at Eccles Banqueting & Conference Centre
Thingyan is Myanmar New Year Festival which happens over 5 day. The festival is held on the eve of Myanmar New Year and generally it falls around 13th April. Thingyan has been celebrated since the Tagaung Period but it became more prominent in the Era of Bagan Dynasty. Water represent cleaness, coolness and clearness. By pouring or throwing water on one another it is regarded that you wash away the bad deeds of the previous year and start the new year with a clear and clean mind. But this is time for every one in Myanmar to celebrate and ejoy them selves. As the young people enjoy them selves the elders may take shelter in monasteries and pagoda precincts.
The water festival represents the most popular, raucous and colorful celebration of the year for more than 120 million people who will abandon any thoughts of work and bring their nations to a standstill. People around the country gather together again and visits pagodas, offers and pay homage to the monks, play traditional games and celebrate with their joyous spirit.
Another tradition from the olden days is that during this period old and aged persons hair were washed and manicured with typical Myanmar shampoo called “Tayaw” (acacia). This is a sign of respect.