List of Burmese traditional festivals

Burmese traditional festivals are based on the traditional Burmese calendar and dates are largely determined by the moon's phase.[citation needed] Burmese culture is most evident in villages where local festivals are held throughout the year, the most important being the pagoda festival.[1][2]

Festivals

MonthFestival(s)DaySignificanceEvents
Tagu (April)ThingyanMid-AprilMarks the beginning of the Burmese new yearGadaw (paying obeisance to elders), water games, observation of the Buddhist Sabbath (Uposatha), parades
Kason (May)Bo tree watering festivalFull moon of KasonMarks the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha (Vesākha)Watering of the Bo tree
Nayon (June)Tipitaka FestivalNationwide Pariyatti Sasana examinations for Buddhist monks[3]
Waso (July)Robe Offering Festival,[4] Dhammasekya DayFull moon of WasoMarks the beginning of the Buddhist lent (Vassa); anniversary of Buddha's first sermon on the Four Noble TruthsDonation of monk robes, shinbyu ceremonies
Wagaung (August)Taungbyon Nat Festival[5]
Tawthalin (September)Regatta FestivalBoat rowing competitions
Thadingyut (October)Festival of LightsFull moon of ThadingyutMarks the end of the Buddhist lent (Vassa)Gift exchanges, gadaw (paying obeisance to elders), lighting of candles, pagoda visits
Tazaungmon (November)Tazaungdaing Festival of Lights[6]Full moon of TazaungmonMarks the end of the rainy seasonLighting of hot air balloons by the Shan people in Shan State, and lanterns nationwide
Kyi Ma No FestivalMischief-making
Kahtein Thingan Offering FestivalBetween Thadingyut and TazaungmonOffering of Kathina robes to Buddhist monks
Nadaw (December)Karen New YearnMarks the new year of the Karen people
Nat festivals[7]Ritual feasts honoring Burmese nats (spirits)
Pyatho (January)Kachin Manaw FestivalMarks the new year of the Kachin people
Tabodwe (February)Harvest Festival[8]Celebration of rice harvestsCooking of htamane, a special sticky rice made with sesame seeds, peanuts and ginger
Tabaung (March)Shwedagon Pagoda Festival[9]
Nationwide pagoda festivals
Nationwide pagoda festivalsCelebrations on Singuttara Hill

Edited by TZWK (Dastan Fitz)

References