Myanmar Holidays & Celebrations

Blog post content contributed by Joel Hollow, IUPUI Dietetic Intern

Approximately 24,000 individuals from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) live in Indianapolis. Many are refugees who have fled their home country to escape religious or ethnic persecutions. Others have immigrated here in search of a more promising and prosperous future for themselves or their families. A majority of local Burmese households has settled on the south side of the city (Perry Township, Southport, and Greenwood), making this area home one of the largest Burmese refugee populations in the United States.

The country of Myanmar (formerly Burma). Image from worldjusticenews.com

The people of Myanmar celebrate many different rich traditions and events throughout the year. These celebrations often involve special meals or dishes and time spent with loved ones. It is important that Gleaners is familiar with the cultural practices of the diverse community we serve so that we can better understand and meet the needs of our neighbors.

Some of the most popular Burmese holidays and celebrations include:

• January 4th, Independence Day - marks the date Myanmar became an independent nation.
• January 13th, Kayin New Year Day - celebrated by the Karen people of Myanmar. This holiday is more agricultural than religious. It serves as a celebration of the rice harvest and is the commencement of the new crop.

Chicken Potato Curry and Garlic Oil Noodles from The Rangoon Sisters Cookbook. Images from thehappyfoodie.co.uk/articles/10-burmese-dishes-to-discover-in-the-rangoon-sisters-cookbook

• March 2nd, Peasant’s Day - holiday to honor the contribution and importance of agriculture and farming to Myanmar.
• March 27th, Full Moon Day of Tabaung - Also known as Maka Bucha, Tabaung is the last month of the year in the Burmese calendar. A candle ceremony is performed where the people walk clockwise three times around the temple holding flowers, incense, and a lit candle. These represent Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, and the ritual is a way of honoring them.
• April 13th – April 16th, Thingyan - Thingyan is known as a water festival. During this time in Myanmar, people run around with buckets of water, hoses, or anything they can get their hands on to soak each other. The tradition originates from the belief that the water is washing away bad luck and misfortune from the previous year. This is generally a playful and fun time.​

Thingyan water festival. Image from www.myanmartours.net/myanmar-thingyan-festival.html

• April 17th, Burmese New Year - On Burmese New Year, parties and soaking each other comes to an end and more of the traditional customs take place. One tradition is the capturing of fish from lakes and ponds that are drying up. The fish are kept in large pots and then released into larger lakes along with prayers and a saying that means, “I release you once, you release me ten times”. Another tradition is giving away food called “Satuditha” to people passing by. Satuditha includes staple foods in the Burmese diet such as rice, curries, and pea soup.
• July 21st, Eid ul-Adha Day - This is a Muslim holiday that means “Feast of Sacrifice”. It celebrates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to God. If this story seems familiar, its because this same story occurs in the Bible (with a few variances). During this time, families will eat a third of their meal, give a third to family and friends, and the last third goes to the needy and homeless. This is a time of helping those who are less fortunate and appreciating your loved ones.
• July 25th – October 21st, Vassa - Vassa, which means “rains”, is an annual retreat during the monsoon season practiced by Buddhists. This is a time of reflection, meditation, and reading of religious texts. During this time, vegetarianism or fasting is often practiced.
• October 20th – October 21st, Full Moon of Thadingyut Holiday - This is also known as the Festival of Lights. It marks the end of Buddhists’ fasting, as well as the end of monsoon season. To celebrate, a large, candle-lit hot air balloon is launched in the air and spectators hold lit candles.

Festival of Lights celebration. Photo from www.aljazeera.com

Sources:

• www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2021/02/03/myanmar-military-coup-draws-burmese-protest-indianapolis/4362249001/
• www.officeholidays.com/countries/myanmar