The Burmese Water Festival or Thingyan 2024 was celebrated at Canchi Park, Manipur University on Tuesday, organised by the university's Centre for Myanmar Studies.
As part of the celebration, vice chancellor N Lokendra headed the gathering in performing the local ritual of ‘Ngamu Usin’ at Canchi Moat, followed by a tree plantation at Canchi Park.
Speaking on the occasion, Lokendra highlighted that the festival was an annual calendar event organised by the centre.
He also pointed out that the centre had been offering Myanmar language course in accordance with UGC guidelines.
“Manipur University and the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi, also signed a MoU to facilitate collaboration in research, publication and information sharing,” he said.
Meanwhile, delegate from Mandalay, Myanmar U Pyay Nyein highlighted that Thingyan, also known as the Water Festival, was a New Year’s Day festival in Myanmar.
“The festival is not only about dancing in the streets and water-spraying but also marks the beginning of the year in Burmese lunar calendar and signifies the cycle of life,” he said.
Meanwhile, director of Centre for Myanmar Studies professor MC Arun noted that this year’s Thingyan celebration was toned down in light of the ethnic crisis in Manipur.
He wished the festival would usher peace and ease the political tension in both Manipur and Myanmar.
Registrar of Manipur University W Chandbabu, head of Philosophy Department professor Bishwanath Laimayum along with students of Centre for Myanmar Studies also took part in the celebration.
