People’s Square in Myanmar prepares for the annual Thingyan festival pavilions

Dancers performing during celebrations of the Thingyan water festival in Yangon, Myanmar, on Monday, April 13, 2026. The festival, marking the start of the Myanmar New Year, usually occurs in the middle of April and lasts for four to five days. It falls on Monday this year. -- Photo: Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe

YANGON (Global Light of Myanmar): People of Myanmar forgot their troubles and global issues as the annual Thingyan festival got off to a flying start.

Water-splashing pavilions, walk-through Thingyan pavilions, and charity feast pavilions have been set up at the People’s Square in Dagon Township, Yangon Region, ahead of the Myanmar Traditional New Year Thingyan Festival starting on Monday (April 13).

To ensure public participation and comfort, the walk-through Thingyan area has been systematically arranged with shaded coverings to reduce heat, while security and healthcare services will also be provided.

The Thingyan festival will be held from Monday to April 16, featuring traditional dance performances and charity feast donations for visitors from all corners of the nation. 

For the record, the Thingyan Festival, also known as the Myanmar New Year, is a festival that usually occurs in the middle of April. Thingyan marks the transition from the old year to the new one, based on the traditional Myanmar lunisolar calendar. — Global Light of Myanmar

People take part in celebrations of the Thingyan water festival in Yangon, Myanmar, April 13, 2026. -- Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe