Burma, Myarnmar: What is Thingyan (Songkaran) or Water Festival?

“Thingyan”(Songkaran)- Myanmar New Year, the Water Festival is the most unique and colourful with the merriest occasion in Myanmar. During Thinngyan days the people throwing water each other since the Myanmar believe that Thinngyan(Songkaran) water has the power to cleanse the evil and sins of the old year. The water festival called "Thinngyan"(Songkaran) falls on the last four days before Myanmar New Year day, which is in the second week of April roughly on the twelfth or thirteenth, according to the Gregorian calendar. In this year 2009, the water festival starts from 13th April to 16th April.

Thinngyan water festival time is the merriest time for Myanmar young and old. Almost the whole populations are in the most joyous mood; roam around the city in cars or on foot to throwing and splashing water each other.

While Thinngyan(Songkaran) is a time for fun, it is also a time for religious reflection. Some people go to pagodas and do the good deeds and keep the Sabbath. Myanmar New Year Day is 17th April and on that day Myanmar people do meritorious deeds such as offering food to the monks at the monasteries, free animals like bird, fish and cattle. As well as shampoo and clipping nails to the old people.

The word "Thingyan"(Songkaran) is said to have been derived from a Pali word, "Sankata" which means change. So Thingyan(Songkaran) connotes change from old season to new season, old year to new year, or change from the month of Tabaoung which is the twelfth month of Myanmar calendar to the month of Tagu, the first month of the following year. Thingyan(Songkaran) also means move, for in summer the sun moves from the South to North, or the Tropic of Capricorn to the Tropic of Cancer. The movement of the sun causes the seasons and its return to the North marks the beginning of Myanmar's three seasonal year. The advent of Thingyan(Songkaran) is signal by the movement of the sun from the month of Tabaung (Mina or Pisces) to the month of Tagu. In Tagu the circle of nature begins anew, ushering in the new year.

The legend of Thingyan(Songkaran) is as interesting as its festival is a joyous occasion. Thagyar Min or Indra and Athi Brahma were said to have drawn into controversy over the solution of a mathematical problem. They agreed to refer the matter to a sage called Kavalamine whose verdict they agreed would be accepted as final. They also agreed the winner should cut off the loser's head. The sage judged that Indra's solution was the right and Indra cut off Anthi Brahma's head. But Athi Brahma was said to have been so omnipotent a god that if his head were trown down to the Earth, the Earth would burn to ashes, if thrown into oceans all water would dry up. So seven goddesses of the seven days were made to hold his head in turn. The time when the head changes hands corresponds to Thingyan.

A Athi Brahma's body should not remain headless, Indra cut off the head of Mahapingala Elephant and joined it on the Brahma's body, thereby the Brahma became Mahapinne god (Ganesha). This is the legend of Thingyan. Since time immemorial Thingyan has been one of the traditional festivals of the Myanmars. In the days of Myanmar Kings it was celebrated at the Court where royalty and nobility participated in the water pouring. King Narathihapate (1254-87 AD) the last ruler of Pagan (Bagan) Dynasty was recorded to have built enclosed corridors running from his palace to the bank of the Ayeyawaddy river, inside which he and his courtiers reveled in water throwing. A symbolic ritual of the occasion is water pot observed on the first day of Thingyan(Songkaran). It is believed that on the first day of Thingyan Indra descends from his Celestial Kingdom to Earth to record in his golden parabeik the merits and demerits of all humans so that he can pass impartial judgement. The first day of Thingyan(Songkaran) is known as"Akya," (day of descent). On this day at the precise time of the descent is performed the water pouring rite. The second day of Thingyan(Songkaran) is called "Akyat" which means middle day, during which Indra is busy with his golden parabeik. The third day is known as "Atet" meaning the Day of Ascent to his Heavenly Kingdom.

Over the years, Thingyan(Songkaran) has acquired increasing social significance. It has become a national festival in which nationalities participate and reveal in water pouring. Goodwill is the spirit of Thingyan(Songkaran). The motto of this festival is "with malice towards none, and charity for all". Devout Buddhist keep Sabbath for three days, and do all kinds of meritorious deeds, such as offering food to the Sanghas, observing the precepts, and holding feasts for the public. Young people pay respects to the parents, and elders, or help to bathe and shampoo the aged with loving kindness. Tagu corresponding to April is the hottest month in Myanmar. It is appropriate indeed that the water pouring festival is held in this month.