People put Thanakha on their faces during a Thanakha performance competition in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 12, 2025. - Xinhua
YANGON: Myanmar held its first-ever performance competition of Thanakha -- a traditional yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground barks of Thanakha tree -- in Yangon on Wednesday evening (Feb 12).
The event was jointly organised by the Myanmar Cultural Heritage Trust (MCHT) and Seinn Lann So Pyay Garden as part of the 78th Union Day celebrations.
"This is the first time we are organising a Thanakha competition," said Aye Thandar Tun, associate secretary of MCHT, adding that an annual ethnic traditional food display and sales festival was also being organised from Feb. 11 to Feb. 13 to commemorate Union Day.
"The event also aims to raise awareness about Thanakha, especially among young people who wear it less often today," she said.
"We will choose prizes on how contestants present Thanakha culture and its purpose. There are nine prize categories, including Best Concept, Best Performance, and the Popular Award," she said.
Thanakha has been in use in Myanmar for more than 1,000 years for sun protection and skincare. It is a natural herb that protects against UV rays, boosts collagen, reduces signs of aging, cools the skin, and refreshes the mind, she added.
A total of 36 participant groups competed in the Thanakha competition, showcasing various traditional and creative ways of wearing and presenting Thanakha. - Xinhua
