Myanmar Gears Up for Water Festival Amid Earthquake Aftermath

YANGON, Myanmar – Thousands of people participated in the New Year water festival, known as Thingyan, this Sunday, despite the lingering devastation from last month’s earthquake that claimed over 3,600 lives.

Traditionally, Thingyan marks the start of the Burmese New Year in mid-April, featuring a series of water rituals meant to symbolize purification and renewal. However, in the wake of a powerful earthquake, cities near the epicenter, including Mandalay and Sagaing, face significant destruction, with many residents living in tents among collapsed buildings.

Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis, families bought clay pots and plants typically used for domestic decoration to celebrate the New Year, highlighting the resilience of the people. Some, however, lacked houses to place these items, showcasing a stark contrast between tradition and current hardships. “Everyone is in trouble this year,” said Ma Phuy, a 55-year-old woman from Mandalay with a family of nine. “I have to prepare the flower pot because it’s our tradition. But my heart is heavy,” she expressed.

This year, families instructed their children not to splash water on the streets to avoid criticism from neighbors over festivities during a time of mourning. The military junta has mandated that this five-day festival should proceed without the customary music and dancing.

According to official data, over 5,200 buildings were destroyed by the earthquake, and more than 2 million people are in need of assistance, the United Nations reports.

The UN has issued an urgent appeal for $275 million to aid the country, while the World Food Programme has been forced to cut assistance to 1 million people this month due to a lack of donations. Even before the earthquake, Myanmar was facing severe poverty exacerbated by the civil war ignited in 2021 after the military coup.

Despite announcing a ceasefire, conflict observers report that military forces continue bombing rebel-held areas, with the junta accusing armed groups of maintaining offensive operations.