The Committee
- Takes note that Myanmar has nominated Myanmar traditional New Year Atā Thingyan festival (No. 02085) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Atā Thingyan is a five-day festival that is observed in Myanmar to celebrate the traditional new year. The Myanmar Calendar Advisory Board determines the date on which Thingyan falls each year (typically in mid-April). Each community celebrates the festival in accordance with its traditions and customs, but common activities include pouring water on Buddha images, giving older community members manicures and pedicures, donating food, giving to charity and joining meditation retreats. There are also community-based song and dance performances. Flowers and leaves symbolizing the seven days of the week are arranged in an earthenware vase, which is placed at the front of the house to welcome the new year. People also enjoy pouring water on each other, an act that is believed to bring good fortune through its symbolic cleansing effects. Thingyan is transmitted by participating in the festivities and through media, schools, and regional and state contests. In addition to promoting unity and harmony, the festival represents a symbolic cleansing of the old year’s ‘dirt’, enabling a physical and mental ‘fresh start’. As the entire festival period is a national holiday, many people return to their native towns and villages to reunite with their families and pay homage to their elders.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.1: The element is a five-day annual water festival that is observed in Myanmar to celebrate the traditional new year. The bearers and practitioners include the people of Myanmar who celebrate by pouring water on each other, and in accordance with their traditions and customs. Local authorities, community leaders and various organisations also participate in the practice. Thingyan is transmitted informally during the annual festival and as part of the practice of the communities’ traditions and customs. It is also transmitted through media, schools, and regional and state contests. The element promotes unity and harmony among families and communities.
R.2: The nomination file indicates that the element contributes to several aspects of sustainable development. In terms of peace and social cohesion, the frequent festivals associated with the element promote social harmony and cooperation, improve understanding of diverse practices, and celebrate people of different backgrounds. Inclusion of information about the element in primary, secondary and tertiary curricula enhances quality education. NGOs conduct research and studies focusing on food security, health and food hygiene standards. The file provides some information about the contribution of the element to sustainable development, but more details would have been helpful.
R.4: The nomination file was prepared with the participation of social and cultural organizations as well as individuals from various regions and states. The Myanmar National Culture Central Committee conducted a survey and organized seven workshops with the participation of communities, cultural associations, groups and individuals. The process of preparing the nomination file was led by the Myanmar Cultural Heritage Trust, with the consent of communities, groups and individuals, through briefings and discussions. Various letters of consent and a video were submitted together with the nomination file to demonstrate the consent of the communities, groups and individuals concerned.
R.5: The element was listed on the Myanmar National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2020. The inventory is maintained by the Department of Archaeology and National Museum, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture and the Myanmar Cultural Heritage Trust. The inventory is updated every two years with the involvement of communities, groups and individuals. The updated inventory is reviewed by communities and NGOs and presented to the Myanmar Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding and Promotion Committee for approval.
- Further considers that, from the information included in the file and the information provided by the submitting State through the dialogue process, the nomination satisfies the following criterion for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.3: The State Party proposes various safeguarding measures. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture documents and protects the historic stone inscriptions and murals at various temple sites which reference the element. To raise awareness about the element, the Myanmar Motion Picture Organization broadcasts Thingyan films and documentaries and theatre associations produce songs and dances associated with the element. Awareness of the element among the next generation is raised through the media and inclusion of information in school curricula. Regional and national authorities lead the organization of the annual festival. The participation of the communities and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation of the safeguarding measures was elaborated during the dialogue process.
- Decides to inscribe Myanmar traditional New Year Atā Thingyan festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
- Commends the State Party for its first inscription.