As Myanmar continues to grapple with the aftermath of powerful earthquakes in at least six regions across the country, the Thingyan Water Festival in Mon State will be celebrated only in the traditional manner, without music concerts or dance performances, according to the military-appointed Mon State Chief Minister U Aung Kyi Thein.
U Aung Kyi Thein said the festival would proceed with only customary water splashing, omitting public entertainment events out of respect for the ongoing national tragedy.
A statement from the junta’s state media echoed this position, citing the somber atmosphere as most citizens are still mourning the widespread losses caused by the earthquakes. The announcement stated that this year’s celebration would be quiet and modest, in line with traditional cultural practices.
As a result, entertainment groups that had been hired for performances at the Mawlamyine water pavilions have been canceled.
“We will carry out Thingyan quietly. We have stopped all performances, including singers and orchestras that were contracted. We’ve already informed the local authorities in each village to suspend their events. But as for what individual villages may choose to do, we can’t control everything,” the chief minister said.
Despite the subdued approach, construction of the central water pavilion on Mawlamyine’s Strand Road will continue, as will preparations for other departmental pavilions.
Meanwhile, despite the absence of celebratory events, business owners in Mon State report that the junta is still collecting tens of millions of kyats in “contributions” for the Thingyan celebrations.
A youth from Mawlamyine said, “Most people are helping with earthquake relief, but the junta is still pushing ahead with Thingyan. No matter how much they decorate or prepare, if no one comes out to celebrate, it’s all meaningless. So we’re asking everyone not to participate.”
With extensive damage and loss of life reported nationwide since the March 28 earthquake, calls have grown to cancel all Thingyan preparations especially in states and regions severely affected by the disaster.
Despite this, sources confirm that in other earthquake-hit areas such as Karen State’s Hpa-An, the military junta continues to prepare for Thingyan festivities, including constructing water pavilions and planning sand festivals along the riverbank.
