To enhance the vibrancy of the Thingyan Festival in Mon State, the military junta’s Chief Minister and his administration are planning to incorporate a “Walking Thingyan” event alongside traditional entertainment pavilions, according to official sources.
A coordination meeting was held on May 25 last year to ensure the success of the Myanmar traditional New Year water festival. During the meeting, 15 committees were formed and assigned responsibilities, with the event expected to be celebrated on a grand scale, stated U Aung Kyi Thein, the Chief Minister of Mon State.
However, due to the conscription law, many young people who have fled abroad to avoid military service are unable to return home and participate in the festival. Additionally, concerns over safety have deterred many from traveling to urban areas, leaving only local youths to take part, a Mawlamyine resident reported.
“In Mawlamyine, they’ve been trying to make the festival lively since last year, but not many people from other towns are coming. Usually, Thingyan is when young people return home for a visit, but this year, there will be fewer of them. The remaining youths participating will mostly be girls. The only places that might get crowded are those hosting pagoda festivals,” he said.
While the authorities have yet to specify which townships will host the “Walking Thingyan,” it is expected to be held in Mawlamyine and Chaungzon, two cities under tight control by the military junta.
According to Nai Naga, a member of the Mon Resistance Forces, the junta is using festivals as a means to maintain its authority in Mon State, where active conflict is minimal.
“In Mon State, they have full control, and there’s little armed resistance. Unlike in other regions, they can still hold big celebrations. This works to their advantage. The revolution isn’t over—people are still suffering. These events are just tools to manipulate public perception and maintain their grip on power,” he said.
He further urged the public to avoid celebrating as much as possible, given the ongoing conflict, while also assuring that the resistance groups would not take any actions during the festival that could endanger civilians.
Similarly, in Nai Laye Tama village of Thanbyuzayat Township’s Panga village, authorities are planning to host large-scale music and entertainment programs alongside the upcoming Thingyan celebrations.
Last year, the junta pressured government employees to participate in Mawlamyine’s Thingyan Festival to boost attendance. Business owners supporting the event were also coerced into providing financial contributions.
Despite restrictions imposed by the junta, many young people in Myanmar continue to find ways to flee to revolutionary-controlled areas or neighboring Thailand to escape forced conscription.
