Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
CONTENTS
4
5
6
8
9
The action
Tourist attraction
Playtime in Mandalay
A bit of history
10
11
14
15
16-17
18
20
22
24
Watching you
Shopping around
Liking it loud
Touches of tradition
26
28
Tue
Wed
Thu/Fri
Sat
Sun
t*F g
Ak'[l;
Mumoyaw;^aomMum
pae
we*FaEG
April 12 (Tuesday)
Burmese Calendar Year 1377, 5th
day of the waxing, month of Tagu
April 13 (Wednesday)
Burmese Calendar Year 1377, 6th
day of the waxing, month of Tagu
Editor
Myo Lwin, Than Naing, Hein Min Latt
Sub- editor
C. Segar, Mya Kay Khine Soe
Staff writers
Zaw Zaw Htwe, Zayar Lin, May Thinzar Naing,
Ei Ei Thu, Myint Kay Thi, Khin Wai Phyu Phyu,
Si Thu Lwin, Mya Kay Khine, Toe Wai Aung,
Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Chan Mya Htwe
Translation
Thiri Min Htun, Mya KayKhine, Myo Lwin,
Kyawt Darly Lin, Khant Lin Oo, E Moon,
Ei Ei San, Khine Thazin Han, Win Thawtar
Design
Ko Htway, Ko Khin Zaw
Photography
Kaung Htet, Aung Htay Hlaing, Zarni Phyo,
Thiri Lu, Naing Wynn Htoon, Nyan Zay Htet,
Phyo Wai Kyaw, Si Thu Lwin
Almost everyone will get a piece of the action, it seems, as Myanmars top entertainers
spread out this Thingyan from Yangon to Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw and even Myeik Island.
By Zaw Zaw Htwe
Zaw Win Htut
Rock star Zaw Win Htut (nickname
Nyi Htut) will be at Myeik Island,
Tahnitharye Region, with his family,
his Emperor Band and his friends
because of an invitation from
friends in Myeik.
He will be performing twice a day
(morning and evening) on all four
water festival days. Local vocalists
and traditional dance troupes will
perform at the same pandal.
Explaining his plans, Zaw Win
Htut said he wants to spend some
time at the beach on Myeik Island
with family and friends. Now, Im
not at an age to overly enjoy the
water festival (he wants to take
things a little easier) but I still
have a duty to entertain and make
people happy wherever I am.
Last year he entertained disabled
children in a pre-water festival
show before heading to perform at
Chaungtha Beach.
Wai La
The young rock star, who has a
big following among youth, will be
at the MRTV 4 pandal sponsored
by Coca Cola at Pyay Road, Dagon
Township, Yangon, on all the water
festival days.
Ko Kyaw Min Tun, his manager,
said fans can expect Wai La, who
will feature with Runner Band, to
belt out songs from the 2015 Water
Party Yay Party album.
Ni Ni Khin Zaw
Ni Ni Khin Zaw, famous for her
songs relating to love and politics,
will be at the Alpine pandal in
Mandalay on all the water festival
days. She will entertain audiences
in Mandalay with her hit songs. Two
The water might be everywhere but the crowds are also to be found where the stars come out to play, as they did for this show at Pyay Road last year.
Major companies have signed on some of the best Myanmar singers and bands this Thingyan. Aung Htay Hlaing
Ye Yint Aung
Pop star Ye Yint Aung will be in
Yangon, although at the time of
writing he was not quite sure where
he would be performing. He had yet
to sign an agreement with anyone,
he said.
There are invitations from stage
organisers, but I havent decided.
I will have to sing new songs in
keeping with the (spirit of the)
water festival, he added.
Eaint Chit
Young and popular Eaint Chit, who
is also an ambassador of Coca
Cola, will be at the brands pandal
Idiots
Those who were looking forward to
watching Idiots Band performing
in Mandalay will be disappointed.
They wont feature there because
a liquor company had to cancel a
show there. The Mandalay regional
government rejected its application
to build a stage as it has a policy
against allowing liquor brands to
Iron Cross
Myanmar Post and Telecom (MPT)
has announced Myanmars top band,
Iron Cross, will be in Mandalay at
MPTs stage on all Thingyan days.
The band features Myo Gyi, Lay
Phyu, Anga and Wine Wine.
Ko Aung Ye Kyaw
Content administrator,
Tech Myanmar Company Limited
I passed my time in Thingyan 2015 by
getting very involved in the festival. I
was at a pandal everyday and went
around as much as I could. I noticed
then that Thingyan fashion trends were
changing, though differing according
to the districts. But I think the essence
of Thingyan is still there. This year, Ill
probably rest at home because of the
weather, the shortage of water and
the meningitis (that seems to be going
around). I want to tell the people who
go out to take care of themselves.
Have discipline when spraying others
with water. Take care of and help each
other, and be good natured, which is
part of Myanmar culture.
Ko Tun Tun
Senior reporter, Internet journal
I havent taken part in the Thingyan
festival for three years because (it
seems) the weather has become
hotter and hotter. If we wander out
and get a little bit wet, we feel the
heat even more. Ive read the news
about El Nino and how it will be hotter
than normal, so Ive decided to stay
away from the celebrations. Last year
I spent the holidays at a meditation
centre. This year I plan to have a rest
in my fathers home in Mandalay.
(Especially because of El Nino) Id like
to tell everyone whos out there to
protect themselves from the sun and
the heat and not to drink heavily.
Yu Mon Myo
Secretary
I went to Mawlamyine in 2015 and
it was different. People moved
around on motorcycles and, as a
group, wore similar clothes. I plan
to keep Sabbath at home this year
because of the El Nino weather.
I want to caution those who go
out to cover up well and to apply
sunblock to protect themselves
from ultraviolet rays and the heat.
Translation by
Khine Thazin Han and San Lay
d
Pagoda R
oa
Kabar Aye
Pyay r
oad
Pyay ro
ad
Inya
road
Se
tM
hu
1R
oa
r San
Saya
road
oa
ar
Iny
Pyay
road
OFFICIAL SITE (above and top right): The Mayors Pandal on Mahabandula Road near Sule Pagoda sizeable, in keeping
with the office. Bottom right: More celebrations in Yangon. Photos: Naing Wynn Htoon and Zarin Phyo
THE GROUNDWORK: Its a rush to put up stages, both for entertainment and the
water action, everywhere. Yangon is no exception as workers prepare one in front
of Inya Lake at Pyay Road. Photo: Naing Wynn Htoon
Nat Ma
uk Roa
Pyay
Kand
awgy
i
road
Kan Ye
ik Tha
Road
FOLLOW THE COLOUR: Red marks the spots where the action is to be found. The Kandawgyi circuit is one of the main
attractions. The other main areas are Pyay Road, Inya Road, Kabaraye Pagoda Road, Saya San Road and Set Mhu 1 Street.
26th Street
CENTRE OF THE ACTION (top and bottom): In Mandalay, where it all started centuries ago, most of the activity is limited to
the area surrounding the moat of the Mya Nan San Kyaw Shwe Nan Daw (the palace). With hot, dry weather this year, its
the only viable water source for Thingyan in the city.
By Si Thu Lwin
Neither the scorching heat nor
government plans to scale down
the annual water-dousing festival
hours has dampened the mood
of revellers planning to celebrate
Thingyan in Mandalay. Due to
the hot weather, authorities have
fixed the opening hours of the
water-throwing pandals from 8am
to 12pm and from 3pm to 6pm, an
hour less than last year. But there
will be more pandals to make up
for this.
According to the Mandalay
City Development Committee
(MCDC), over 40 of these
temporary structures, plus four
other entertainment stages, will
be erected. Head of planning
U Soe Lin, of MCDCs Custom
Department, said 10 pandals
would be set up at the southern
moat of the palace, a famous
spot in Mandalay for Thingyan
celebration, with 11 inthe east,
four in the north and eight in the
west, as well as seven in town.
Only 36 pandals were
constructed last year, 24 around
the palace moats, five within
80th Street
oad
My
oP
at R
WHATS UP: This was Nay Pyi Taw last year, looking quite the part. What
happens this year is in doubt. Photo: Myanmar Times
By Swan Ye Htut
FRONT ROW SEATS: If you are at the palace and the moat that surrounds it you are up close and personal with whats happening. The annual parade is one of the
features of the festivities in Mandalay. Photo: Phyo Wai Kyaw
TAKING SHAPE: Preparations in full swing by the moat in Mandalay. Photo: Si Thu Lwin
10
11
Thingyan
explained
The annual water spectacle a
party that lasts for days has
its roots in spiritual and cultural
beliefs. There is certainly a more
solemn, religious side to it.
Thingyan means transition,
a term derived from the Sanskrit
word Thinkanta or Sinkanta. It
ushers in the Myanmar New Year
and is celebrated over three days,
with an extra day added on when it
is a leap year.
Thingyan is a time when the
people make merry, unfortunately
sometimes to excess. Away from
the religious and cultural aspects
of this annual spectacle, which
is increasingly a major tourist
attraction, the activities include
partying at pandals, thangyat
satirical chanting that tends to
poke fun at everything Myanmar
floats, music, dancing and indulging
in the seasonal food and drinks.
Things do tend to get out of hand
at times and the main complaint
in the cities is that the free flow of
FAST LEARNERS: They are into the watery side of Thingyan but, as they will discover, theres much more to the annual festival.
Photo: Myanmar Times
SOLEMN MOMENTS: In the end, when the New Year dawns, the religious and cultural aspects of Thingyan come back into play. And there are those who cant wait for
that to happen, preferring to shun the boisterous celebrations that precede it. Photo: Zarni Phyo
12
13
Celebration,
the Bogyoke
way
IN FASHION: Getting your hair done is part of the preparations for Thingyan.
Photo: Myanmar Times
IN QUIETER TIMES (opposite page and above): Tourists are invariably drawn to Bogyoke Market in Yangon and the wares on display. Unfortunately for them, Bogyoke
takes a break during Thingyan. Photos: Myanmar Times
14
15
While theres water everywhere, so too is El Nino and heat and alcohol
can be a deadly combination
ANYTHING GOES: This is almost like full body armour, sunblock not needed. It must also help against those
pesky water jets. Photo: Myanmar Times
Its Heatstroke
WARNING SIGNS
Pale skin
Rapid pulse
Fast, shallow breathing
Dizzy or nauseous
Sweating profusely
Fatigue, weakness
Muscle weakness or cramps
Action: Get to a cool shady spot as
quickly as possible. Drink plenty
of water or other fluids containing
sugar and salt. Dont drink alcohol.
If youre not feeling better after 30
minutes, seek treatment.
WHEN ITS LIFE THREATENING
Skin that feels hot and dry, but
not sweaty
Confusion or loss of
consciousness
Throbbing headache
Frequent vomiting
Shortness of breath or trouble
breathing
SOME DO IT THE RIGHT WAY, SOME DON'T: The line between good and bad behaviour is being blurred. Photo: Than Naing
16
17
GOSH X-CEPTIONAL
WEAR
17400-Ks
Thingyan Accessories
@ All City Mart Branch
oBuFefa&b,favmufpdkpdk
tvSrysufwJhEIwfcrf;eD
Thingyan Promotion
Single Room: 60,000 Kyats
Double Room: 70,000 Kyats
Reservation & Inquiry:
01-376568, 377956, 09-2042228
Huile
36,000-Ks
Every
JYUNKA
counter
@ every
shopping
mall
18,950 Kyats
20% Discount
Tel: 09 450062899,
09 250195211, 09
799794087
9,950 Kyats
20% Discount
7,450 Kyats
20% Discount
Every
NUXEcounter
@ every
shopping
mall
Nuxe Sun
30,000-Ks
Phyto Colour
17,000-Ks
Thingyan Promotion
Superior Room:
USD 80 net per room per night
Bamboo Executive:
USD 125 net per room per night
(Myanmar Citizen Only)
Reservation & Inquiry:
01-371992,09 263440500
Thingyan Package A
Deluxe Room: (without kitchen)
USD 110 net per night for 2 persons
Extra person at US$ 25
Thingyan Package B
One bedroom suite for
2 persons at US$ 120 net per night
Extra person at US$ 25
Reservation & Inquiry:
01- 650933 Ext: 121/122
March 25 ~ April 10
Buy HUAWEI GR5
Get Gift Box &
Magic Cup
Hotline: 019000900
Superior Room
USD 90 net for day use
USD 120 net for one night stay
(Myanmar Citizen Only)
(From 26 March until 20 April 2016)
Reservation & Inquiry:
01- 250 388
18
19
Hot
fashion
show
GETTING CREATIVE: Hairstyles and the colour used (above and opposite pages) are an attempt to set or follow trends.
Some are spot on, some not. Photo: Nyan Zay Htet
20
21
22
23
Watch what
you say and
do
WATCHING the often times wild goings-on during
Thingyan, the tourist in Myanmar might think it is
a time when anything goes. Yes, enjoy the spectacle,
the happiness and the celebrations but know also
that you can fall afoul of the law if you go too far.
Listed below are the donts.
Avoid using obscene language and swearing at
others. Under Section 294 of the penal code the
punishment is three months imprisonment if
found guilty.
Whether on the pandals (special stages) or not, be
careful if you are brandishing any blunt object. If
someone is accidentally hurt, you could be charged
under Sections 323 and 325 of the penal code.
That goes for any sharp instrument too, under
Sections 324 and 326. Punishment for those acts
can range from a minimum of a year to long term
imprisonment, depending on how much hurt is
caused.
Behave when around the female revellers too.
Physical abuse of one can mean a jail term of
between two months and two years under Criminal
Act 354. The punishment is up to one year for
insulting behaviour (Criminal Act 509).
Drunken behaviour that annoys bystanders
(Criminal Act 510) will lead to a 24-hour stay in jail,
no doubt with fellow drunks.
WHEN IT GETS DANGEROUS: Brave or foolhardy, revellers take their chances against powerful water jets. Photo: Myanmar Times
celebrations.
When something like that
happens, I wonder whats the
point of it all. When instead of joy,
we feel anger. When instead of
togetherness, we feel abused.
No matter how some would
like to excuse it, putting it down
to over-exuberance or youthful
mindlessness, we cant disguise it:
this is the ugly side of Thingyan.
Incidents of men unzipping and
exposing themselves; others
harassing women in the name of
fun; too many too drunk to realise
what they are doing; the quarrels
and fights, and at times the deaths
that occur because of that; and,
yes, even the scantily clad young
women who show more than they
should.
I suppose its inevitable when
drinks, unfortunately, flow so freely.
But I feel disappointed. Is this the
Thingyan festival we want?
I believe that the many of us
who believe Thingyan should be a
time of beauty, joy and celebration
and not of such excesses
should remind the others that
there is such a thing as selfcontrol and the rule of law (see
sidebar story). And that even in
celebration, each man and woman
is entitled to have their rights and
dignity protected by law.
My wish this Thingyan is that we
all have fun without damaging a
lovely tradition that welcomes the
Myanmar New Year.
Translation by Thiri Min Htun and Su
Wunna Aung
24
25
Getting away
from it all
If some time away at a
meditation centre is how you
want to spend Thingyan, listed
here are some of the many
options open to you.
YANGON
Chanmyay Yeiktha
55A Kabar Aye Pagoda Road
Tel: 01-661479
Fax: 01-667050
Dhamma Joti
Wingaba Yele Kyaung, Nga Htat Gyi
Pagoda Road, Bahan township
Tel: 01-549290
Mahasi
Pyay Road, 9 Mile, Mayangone
township
Tel: 01-661167
Mahasi
16 Sarsana Yeiktha Street, Bahan
township
Tel: 01-541971, 545918
Mingun Tipidaka Kyaung
12 Sagawah Street, Dagon
township
Tel: 01-222277, 222278
Mogok Yeiktha
82 Natmauk Street, Bahan
township
Tel: 01-541860, 550184
Nyaung Kan Aye
Yangon-Insein Road, Gyogone,
Insein township
Tel: 01-642219, 641469
Pa-Auk Center
Thilawa Road (near Kyaik-Khauk
Pagoda), Payargon Village,
Thanlyin township
Tel: (95) 56-21927
TRADITION ON DISPLAY: Novices parade around Tamar Takay village, Waw township, Bago region. Photo: Than Naing
Panditarama
80 A Thanlwin Road, Bahan
township
Tel: 01-535448, 705525
Pauk Zayti
Pauk Zayti Street on Kyaik Waing
Pagoda Road, 8 Mile, Mayangone
township
Tel: 01-660148, 09-8534530
Saddhamma Ransi
7 Zeyar Khemar Road, Mayangone
township
Shwe Minn Wun
70 Sarsana Yeiktha Street, Bahan
township
Tel: 01-542876
Shwe Oo Min
Pa Ywat Sate Kone, North
Okkalapa township
Tel: 01-664807
Shwe Oo Min Forest Center
Aung Myay Thayar Street,
Kontabaung Village, Mingalardon
township
Tel: 01-638170, 636402
Sun Lun Gu
Thanlarwaddy Road, 7 Mile,
U Lun Maung Street, 7 Ward,
Mayangone township
Tel: 01-660860
Thae Inn Gu
Tat Yin 9 bus stop
Kontabaung Village, Mingalardon
township
HMAWBI
Chanmyay Yeiktha Meditation
Centre
588, No 3 Block, Hmawbi township
Tel: 01-620-321
Thae Inn Gu
Tat Yin 9 bus stop
Hnaw Gone Village,
Hmawbi township
PYIN OO LWIN
Chanmyay Yeiktha
Toe Gyi Koun Village, near Anee
Sakhann railway station
Tel: 0095-85-22457
MAWLAMYINE
Pa-Auk Centre
Mawlamyine, Mon State
Tel: (95) 57-22853
Note: This listing is incomplete
and for information only and does
not represent any opinion of or
endorsement by
The Myanmar Times
Source: nyeinsae.blogspot.com
26
27
Beach
getaways,
both far
and near
WHAT COULD BE BETTER?: To beach
lovers and those seeking some quiet,
the coconut trees, the breeze, blue sea
and white sandy beaches are simply
irresistible. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing
By Ei Ei Thu
THE beach offers a welcome respite for those looking for a somewhat
cooler and quieter Thingyan.
The most crowded tourist spots during Thingyan are Bagan, Inle,
Taunggyi and Mandalay, which have their own attractions. However,
others in Myanmar, both locals and foreigners, will be looking to escape
the sultry summer heat and wild city celebrations by heading to the
nearest beach.
Famous beaches such as Chaungtha, Ngwe Saung and Ngapali are likely
to draw the bigger crowds.
Chaungtha Beach is the most popular as it is the cheapest option. Located
near a village, food is cheaply available, while hotels and inns charge
affordable rates.
For those wishing to avoid the crowd, Ngwe Saung Beach is an ideal
location, just two hours from Chaungtha. It is the second most popular
beach with local tourists as it is relatively cheap.
Hotels have lined up special programs for Thingyan with water parties
and traditional food like mont-lone-yay-paw, Tharku, Mokelatsaung and
buffet dinner, said Ko Phyo Min Zaw, manager at Sunny Paradise Resort.
Our hotel will have a water party for the guests. They can play with
water like mandats in cities. There is dancing for those who prefer not to
get wet. We will also have traditional choral dance performances at night,
he said.
The idyllic Ngapali Beach is perfect for those who prefer a more
luxurious setting. One of the top tourist spots in the country, and ranked
the 8th best beach in the world, it will most certainly cost much more.
Most people come to Ngapali for a quiet and relaxing break. It is a
favourite with foreigners, said a Bay View Hotel staff. There is no loud
and wild water festival but we have many beach activities available.
With the cities and towns hot, crowded and disorderly, the beach offers
a more relaxed Thingyan holiday. And there will be plenty of water at
hand.
Translated by Khant Linn Oo
28
29
The other
charms of
Pyin Oo Lwin
Waterfalls, flowers, hot air
balloons are part of the show
By Ei Ei Thu
NATURES GIFT: If this doesnt take your breath away, not much else, if anything, will. This is BE waterfall near Pyin Oo Lwin town in the hills 40 miles from Mandalay. Photo: Phyo Wai Kyaw
LOTS TO SEE: Theres more than enough to keep the active visitor busy in Pyin
Oo Lwin, like the bird life (top right), a walk in beautiful Kandawgyi Garden
(right), and the annual hot air balloon festival (below), just to name a few.
Photos: Phyo Wai Kyaw
30
Economics &
business
Star
Health
Education
Love
Aquarius
Bad
Beware of contagious
sexual diseases and
nerve disorders
Bad
Because youre weak
in learning
Politics, economics
Be cautious in joint
ventures
Mistakes can
happen because
youre too trusting
and open
Be cautious, think
before you leap
Dont be too
emotional.
Donate robes to
monks
Pisces
Bad
Beware of stress and
chronic swelling
Bad
Because of wrong
decisions (Arts)
Philosophy,
psychology, religion
Know your
competitors
Show your
skills only when
necessary.
Be forgiving and
understanding to find
balance here
Aries
Good
Beware of stress and
stomach, joint and
urinary problems
Outstanding success
Industry, electricity ,
military, technology
Lucky, successful
Important to be
explicit
About pride,
foolishness
Offer meals to
Buddhist monks early
in the morning
Taurus
Fair
Beware of diabetes,
high blood pressure,
and stress,-related,
lung and , heart
diseases
Difficulties involved
Arts, movies and
music
Unexpected good
luck
Choosy
Youre are too close
to your partner, but
far away each other
Concentrate on just
one
Forgive others
Of fake friends
Show gratitude to
parents and teachers
Gemini
Fair
Beware of heart and
stomach problems
Poor
Because of a bad
environment and little
interest in what youre
doing
Many
misunderstandings
Youre very ignorant
and selfish
Of following wrong
beliefs
Cancer
Fit
Beware of mental,
ear, throat and eye
problems
Decision-making can
be wrong
Economy, military
education, law
Uncertain
Be more
adventurous
Be transparent and
understand the value
of love
Leo
Bad*
Beware of problems
with nerves, food
poisoning, dizziness
and stroke
Difficult
Education (art),
research
Heartless
Your strong desires
mean you put
yourself before
others
Be sympathetic and
charitable
Dont go against
nature
Of being unethical
Concentrate on being
a more moral person
Virgo
Beware of stress,
wrong dosage of
drugs, urinary issues
and hypertension
Troubling
Education (Science),
accountancy,
economics
Suspicious mind
Unable to
understand value
of love.
Libra
Fair
Beware of oral,
colon, and stomach
problems and external
factors such as
accidents
Fair
Industry, electricity,
computers, law,
politics, social
studies
Confusion reigns
Possibility of
making the wrong
choice
Have confidence in
yourself
Value promises
made
Of following and
imitating mistakes of
others
Bad
Theres grief and
regret, and possible
heart, lung, bile
and hypertension
problems
Troubling, verging
on the bad because
of wrong decisions
Lack of generosity
It leads to lack of
understanding in
matters of the heart
Dont be selfish
Dont make
decisions on
guesswork. Get the
facts.
Build trust
Think things
through before
acting
Be more modest
Fair
Because you dont
place much value
on education and
could make the wrong
decision (arts)
Advantages and
disadvantages to be
experienced here, so
take care
Be wise, be smart in
your dealings
Dont doubt your
partner
Of your perceptions of
others
Donate rice
Be careful when
criticising and blaming
others
Fair
Because of wrong
priorities and desires
Industry, electricity,
medicine
Dont over-think
decisions
Make donations to
the needy
Of trusting and
overestimating others
Propagate the
teachings of Buddha
Continue to make
merits to cut demerits.
Scorpio
Sagittarius Fair
Beware of stress, and
intestine and colon
problems
Capricorn
Fair
Theres the possibility
of grief, constipation
and lack of nutrition
Marriage
To be careful
Astrologer advice
Note