Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has made history when it’s recorded as the world’s oldest and most sophisticated pagodas and temples that have caught the attention of many travelers across the globe. Despite the thousand years of being under the rule of different thrones being politically unstable, the country has opened her arms to the world that once before was an off the limits destination. This country is now one of the best attractions in Southeast Asia showcasing the wonders of its temples and pagodas along with the best places to visit and the unique culture of the local people.
If you are a Buddhist or wanted to learn and know the ways and teachings of Buddha, you are never wrong in visiting the country. For more than several folds of centuries, Buddhist tradition and culture remained rich and surviving. Also, one will greatly appreciate how Myanmar is unified with almost 135 different ethnic groups.
Apart from the world’s famous pagodas and temples, Myanmar is likewise a country you would want to spend your holidays with. From exotic and spicy food to best islands and beaches, you would also experience how friendly, welcoming and hospitable the people of this country are. If you are convinced to visit Myanmar, try to know about its public holidays and get your reservation earlier.
Below are the country’s official Public Holidays:
Independence Day – January 4, Sunday
Myanmar is celebrating the declaration of its independence from British rule in 1948. Several affairs and sports activities are prepared to commemorate this occasion which marks as one of the most important celebrations in the history of Myanmar. Parades are also held in Naypwidaw, the capital city of Myanmar while cultural program are held across nation. Educational facilities are holding programs where teachers and students sing patriotic songs while most people are wearing traditional outfit. The national flag is also hoist in almost institutions to mark the celebration of this commemorative event.
Union Day – February 12, Thursday
The most powerful officials of Myanmar led by General Bogyoke Aung San signed the Panlong Agreement in 1947 which depicts the democratic government and making the country unified amidst racial diversities and discriminations. Yearly celebration includes around 7000 people from different tribes who participate in actions and movements. Town after town, the national flag is paraded two weeks prior to the celebration and the festival is held where the flag finally rests.
Peasant’s Day – March 2, Monday
Colorful fireworks display and civic parades are held to commemorate this day. The annual celebration every 2nd of March is to honor the peasants who composed the biggest sector in helping the development of the country. Around the country, leaders are reaching about regarding reforms in peasantry and talk issues regarding the development of the agricultural sector. Also, many private companies are closed with families visiting pagodas and temples with cultural shows nationwide.
Full Moon of Tabaung – March 5, Thursday
Known as Magha Puja in the Buddhist community of Laos, Cambodia and Thailand is also an important festival in Myanmar. The celebration begins with pagoda festival until the full moon. Buddhist followers proceed to temples. This is likewise a day for merit making activities where followers only do good, purify their mind and spirit as well as not to commit any form of sin.
Armed Forces Day (Tatmadaw) – March 27, Friday
This day marked the removal of Japanese power from Myanmar in 1945 with the aid of the Allied Forces during the World War II. This commemorative day is now celebrated with parades and fireworks across the country. It is also a tradition since 1989 to give pardon to some prisoners.
Thingyan Water Festival – April 13-16, Monday-Thursday
This is one of the highest Buddhist celebrations culminating in the New Year. The festival normally falls in mid-April and lasted for four days. The throwing or dousing of water is a distinguished feature of the festival. There are water-spraying stations which are set known as pandals. Religious activities are also observed with Burmese girls perform cultural dances during the end of the celebration.
Myanmar New Year – April 17, Friday
This celebration marks the end of hot and summer months. Every Burmese is getting wet and happy during this day. Before the New Year, people are throwing and dousing water to drench away bad luck from the previous year. Monks are hosting special feasts. The day is also celebrated by eleasing birds and fishes as acts of merit.
Labor Day – May 1, Friday
Anywhere in the world, this occasion is celebrated to give honor to laborers. Public offices are closed with a few private companies are open during this day. There are some demonstrations on the streets urging for labor reforms while this has become a good day for some to take a rest and enjoy time with the family and gatherings.
Full Moon of Kason or Buddha’s Birthday – June 1, Monday
This is a very significant celebration for Buddhist followers. This is the very day that Gautama Buddha was born, achieved enlightenment and passed away. As an assurance that Buddha is coming again is the arousal of the Bodhi tree out from the earth. Buddhist people usually celebrate this important day by pouring scented water after they are done with the grand procession in pagodas or at the Bodhi tree. They likewise observe this day through meditation, merit making deeds as well as offering incense, flowers, water and light on the images of Buddha.
Full Moon of Waso or the Beginning of Buddhist Lent – July 1, Wednesday
This celebration commemorates the day where Buddha preached the first sermon to Five Disciples. In Myanmar calendar, Waso is the fourth month where Buddhist Lent begins and lasted for three months. Buddhist people spend the lent season by reciting the Buddhist chant, making donations, not drinking alcohol and observing meditation. Changing of abode or marriage is frowned upon within the lent period. Offering of alms, robes and other essentials to the Sangha are done by laymen and laywomen to gain merits.
Martyr’s Day – July 19, Sunday
In 1947 of July 19, the nation’s leader, Prime Minister Bogyoke Aung San and seven other comrades were assassinated. This day is commemorated through ceremonies led by high ranking officials in the Martyr’s Mausoleum in Yangon to pay respect to them. Ceremonies include the recital of the Marty’s Day poem.
Full Moon of Thadingyut or the End of Buddhist Lent – October 27, Tuesday
Based on the Myanmar calendar, Thadingyut is the seventh month which marked the end of the Buddhist lent. This is generally a three-day festivity: before, during and after the day of the full moon where it is believed that Buddha descends from heaven. Stage shows, movie shows and musical plays are held across the country during the festival. Food festivals are also present showcasing Myanmar’s traditional foods and a lot of staffs at the streets where people can shop. Buddhist people pay respect to monks by visiting monasteries and pagodas and offer them food. Balloons and firecrackers are also played by people.
Full Moon of Tazaungmon – November 26, Thursday
This occasion marks the end of the rainy season. This day is also known as the Festival of Light where the lighting of hot balloons in Shan State and lanterns nationwide occurs. During the night of the festivity, some areas in Myanmar are holding speed-weaving competition participated by Burmese women. They offered the finished or unfinished weaving product to the monks eventually.
National Day – December 8, Thursday
This day is the Anniversary of the first students in university who strike against British policies in 1920. Across Myanmar, this day is celebrated through food festivals and gatherings purposively to discuss about reforms. Traditional and cultural programs are also held.
Christmas Day – December 25, Friday
Despite Myanmar as a Buddhist nation, Christmas is also celebrated. Like any other nations in the world, here are also Christians living in the country. They celebrate this religious festivity through colorful Christmas decorations and lights. Also, this is a time for family gatherings during the Christmas eve with exchanging or giving gifts.
Great things can be experienced especially during holidays at Myanmar. Experience the best of Myanmar holidays and gain extremely unique and memorable moments.
Photo by Scott Edmunds
