Pagoda festivals in Chaungzon Township, Mon State, are expected to have fewer visitors during the Thingyan period this year. Residents and organisers say they will arrange events and food depending on the situation.
Due to travel restrictions and fuel shortages, fewer people are likely to come from faraway places.
The number of young people in the area has also decreased since the military coup, which is another reason for the expected low turnout.
A resident from Kamarmo village said they are unsure how much food to prepare and will adjust accordingly to avoid waste.
“We usually start cooking continuously beginning on Thingyan eve. This year, we have to wait and see how things develop. We’re not sure how the fuel situation will be by Thingyan. With these difficulties, we expect fewer people. It’s more likely to decrease rather than increase. Also, our children are no longer at home, so their friends don’t come anymore either,” he added.
In previous years, many visitors from places such as Mandalay, Yangon, Bago, and Myawaddy attended the festivals. But recent events show fewer people are attending.
“Since conscription checks are being conducted in Mawlamyine, there will definitely be fewer people. At the last festival, there were no visitors left by around midnight, whereas in previous years, people stayed until 3 or 4 a.m. This year, people are also queuing for fuel. Visitors from other areas tend to avoid travelling during conscription days. There are fewer young people on the roads, and even traditional boxing events are no longer being organised,” according to a resident from Kunyaik village.
Traditional activities like boxing matches are not being held this year.
Even though there will be no sports events, some villages are still planning traditional performances and walking Thingyan celebrations.
The Chaungzon pagoda festivals are a long-standing tradition and are usually held from the eve of Thingyan to the Myanmar New Year period.
The festivals became more crowded after the Chaungzon Bridge opened in 2017, but this year they are expected to be quieter.
