Myanmar people are known for their desire for fun, which is evident in round-the-year festivities, celebrated and enjoyed throughout Myanmar. Festivals can be of two types-nation-wide and regional. As Myanmar culture is closely intertwined with Buddhism, most of Myanmar festivals center around some religious events. Most of Myanmar festivals are designated according to the Myanmar calendar and each of the twelve months coincides with one or more festivals. Apart from festivals of the Buddhists, there are also those for Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Chinese celebrated among their communities and some of the events are announced public holidays.

Held every year on 10 January, which is also the Kachin State Day marking the anniversary when the state of Kachin joined the Union of Myanmar in 1948. The Manao festival is held in honor of Nats (traditional family gods) to ensure good weather for a bumper harvest or to celebrate good fortune and success. There are traditional dances by various Kachin groups, tug-of-war matches and bean-bag fighting games and food galore, sold at makeshift stalls. The fun continues all-day long. It is the most colorful gathering you could have witnessed anywhere, with men and women in the traditional formal costumes, headgear, ornaments, jewelry and ceremonial weapons.

Thingyan Water Festival (Nation-wide)

Being the most popular and nation-wide celebrated event, the Water Festival marks the end of present year and coming of a new year on lunar calendar. The original intention lying underneath is to cleanse away the evil deeds of the past year with water. Almost anyone in the country regardless of age, sex, nationality and belief participate in the major event of the year by throwing or dousing water on each other using bowls, buckets or pipes. It usually falls in April and lasts for three to four successive days. Youth go out for enjoyment while elders take retreat in monasteries and pagodas precincts to perform meritorious deeds.

5-day ceremony August 31. Known as Mother Taungbyone Festival. Most enjoyable because of the rowing boat trip to the site. Spirit dances are rampant.

• 1st day – attending a nat audience.
• 2nd day – having a royal bath.
• 3rd day – ascending the throne.
• 4th day – daughter of Mahagiri reels on the ground in grief.
• 5th day – closing by cutting down htein tree.
  
  

Ceremony of Naga New Year Festival will be held on 12 January 2005 at Lahe. Presentation of Naga History. Performing Naga Traditional Dance. Enjoy the performance of Naga Pan (Traditional Drum) and Naga Game Competition such as putting the shot, discus throwing game in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner with Naga Traditional Dance & Bonfire.

Naga New Year Festival 2005

Yangon-Mandalay-Khamti-Lahe-Khamti-Mandalay-Yangon

(5 Days/ 4 Nights )

Salone Festival will be held on February at Majungalet Village on Bocho Island near Lampi Island with the following objectives.

(a) To develop and promote Myeik Archipelago as a Tour destination.

(b) To promote tourism in acquaintance with Salon and Myeik Archipelago as one of the tourism attractions for International Market.

(c) To realize the actual situation of peace & tranquility in Myanmar.