Thingyan Pavilions Spring Up Nationwide, Including Military HQs

14 APRIL 2026

Thingyan marks the transition from the old year to the new. On such occasions, people sprinkle water on one another to wash away the impurities of the previous year and usher in good fortune. As water is fluid and cohesive, it symbolizes the unity and love with which people should live together. Consequently, the Traditional Myanmar Thingyan Festival is celebrated with joy throughout the country, with participants throwing water to provide respite from the summer heat.

To mark the transition from the Myanmar calendar year 1387 to 1388, this year's festival is being celebrated as a peaceful and civilized event in keeping with Myanmar’s unique style and cultural traditions.

On the eve of the festival yesterday, opening ceremonies for water-throwing pavilions were held across various regional commands. These ceremonies took place at several locations, including the Nay Pyi Taw Command Water Festival Pavilion, the Northern Command Traditional New Year Thingyan Central Pavilion, and the respective pavilions of the North-East, Eastern (Shwe Naykya), and Eastern-Central Commands.

Similar ceremonies were held at the Golden Triangle Family Maha Thingyan Pavilion (Triangle Region Command), the South-East Command Pavilion, and the Central Pavilion in Myeik, which included a Walking Thingyan event. Other openings occurred at the Coastal Region Command’s Pearl Shwepyi Pavilion, the Yangon Command’s Family Pavilion, the South-West Command’s Central Pavilion, and the central pavilions in Sittway, Monywa, and Mandalay. At the Southern Command’s Cultural Festival Pavilion, the opening ceremonies were officiated by the chief ministers of the regions and states, along with military commanders, who cut the ceremonial ribbons.

To conclude the opening festivities, the water festival commenced cheerfully with dance competitions, the serving of traditional refreshments (charity feasts), and the playful throwing of water. — MNA/MKKS