DESTINATION

The Land
Myanmar, known as Suvanna Bhumi (the Golden Earth) in the olden days for its fertile land and rich natural resources is the largest country in the South – East Asia Peninsular sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. With a total land area of 676,577 sq. km, it is about the size of Texas and the size of United Kingdom and France combined. The country stretches over 2090 km from north to south and over 925 km east to west. It has a 2832 km long coastline on the Indian Ocean. Over 50 percent of the total land area is covered with forests.

Climate
Generally, Myanmar has three seasons. The monsoon or rainy season is from May to October, the cool dry season from November to February, and the hot season from March to May. During the rainy season, rainfall varies from 500 cm in coastal region to 75 cm in the central dry zone. Average temperature ranges from 32 degree C in central and lower areas to 21 degree C in the northern highlands.

Historical Background
Myanmar history dates back to the early 11th century when King Anawratha unified the country and founded the First Myanmar Empire in Bagan. The Bagan Empire encompassed the areas of the present-day Myanmar and the entire Menam Valley in Thailand and lasted two centuries. The Second Myanmar Empire was founded in mid 16th century by King Bayinnaung. King Alaung Paya founded the last Myanmar dynasty in 1752 and it was during the zenith of this empire that the British moved into Myanmar. Like India, Myanmar became a British colony but only after three Anglo-Myanmar Wars in 1825, 1852 and 1885. During the Second World War, Myanmar was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 till the return of the Allied Forces in 1945. Myanmar has become a sovereign independent state since 4th January 1948 after 62 years under the colonial administration. It is remarkable to note that Myanmar is the country that regained her independence first, though she was the last country occupied by the British in this region.

The People
Myanmar is a union of 135 ethnic groups with their own languages and dialects. The major races are the Bamar, the Chin, the Kachin, the Shan, the Kayah, the Kayin, the Mon and the Rakhine. The name Myanmar embraces all the ethnic groups. The population of Myanmar is over 47 million with the Bamar, the majority race, making up about 70 percent.

Religion
Predominantly a Buddhist country with more than 80 percent of the people embracing Theravada Buddhism. There are also Christians, Muslims, Hindus and some animists.

Culture
Myanmar lies between two great civilizations, India and China, but it has developed its own distinctive culture. Buddhism has a great influence on the daily lives of the Myanmar people. The people have preserved the traditions of close family ties, respect for elders and simple native dress. While tolerance and contentment are the characteristics of the people, Myanmar hospitality is legendary.

Races of Myanmar

The major eight races Myanmar --- Bamar, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine & Shan are shown in eight photos below couples in their traditional colorful costumes.

Economy

It is a transitional economy moving from 26 years of centrally – planned socialist to market-oriented open economy. Private sector has been encouraged and developed in both domestic and external trade. Foreign investment is allowed in almost all sectors of the economy with generous incentives for investors. Agriculture remains the main sector of the economy and private sector participation is strongly encouraged for rapid and sustainable development. In industry, small and medium enterprises are given priority in agro-based industries. As an emerging country rich in natural and human resources. Myanmar has enormous potentials for long-term economic development.

Festivals and Events
Myanmar is popularly known as the Land of Festival because of the countless religious and cultural festivals that take place all year round. Some are nation wide festivities while others are popular solely around Yangon or in the district areas. The dates of most festivals and events in Myanmar are timed to coincide with the full moon and often specific to one particular pagoda, temple, district or village. It is therefore not possible to provide exact dates for each festival well in advance. In order not to miss any opportunities, check with your travel agent or the Myanmar Embassy for updates closer to the event.
There is always a festival for every month on Myanmar calendar, which consists of twelve months. However, the first month of the Myanmar calendar is in April or the month of Tagu. Thingyan or the Water Festival is held throughout the country for three to four days. It simultaneously marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the New Year. Young people gather to sing and dance, and to playfully throw water on each other. Throughout the Thingyan, decorative floats and water throwing pandals are seen everywhere in both towns and cities alike. If you are not afraid of getting wet, this high-spirited festival is one that you won’t want to miss.
Thadingyut and Tazaungdine Festivals are prominent Festivals too. Thadingyut or Festival of Lights, signals the end of the Buddhist Lent and falls on the full moon day of the month of Thadingyut. To welcome Lord Buddha, upon his descent from Tavatimsa on Thadingyut, pagodas, monasteries, offices and houses are illuminated with candles, coloured paper lanterns, lamps, electric bulbs and neon lights for 3 days.
Also known as the Weaving and Lighting Festival, the three days event of Tazaungdine Festival also features gala illuminations. Robe weaving competition is held on the full moon day of Tazaungmone and the prize-winning robe is offered to the Four Images of Buddha at the Shwedagon Pagoda and at other pagodas elsewhere in Myanmar.


Festivals and Events

February
Maw Tin Zun Pagoda Festival ( Pathein, Ayeyarwaddy Division )
Indawgyi Pagoda Festival ( Kachin State )
Pindaya Cave Pagoda Festival ( Shan State )
The Harvest Festival ( Traditionally held in nation wide )
The anniversary of the Union Day
Pyidawpyan Pagoda festival ( Zalun, Irrawaddy Division )
Sandaw Shin Pagoda Festival ( West Pha Yon Ga Island, Rakhine State )

March
Shwedagon Pagoda Festival is held in full moon day of Tabaung
Shwemawdaw Pagoda Festival ( Bago )
Title decoration ceremony at Kaba Aye hillock ( Yangon )
Palaung Bonfire Ceremony at Palaung villages ( Kalaw, Shan State )
Shwezaryan Pagoda Festival ( Shwe Zar Yan, Mandalay )

April
Thingyan Water Festival
Myanmar New Year Festival
Popa Nat or Sprit Festival ( Popa, Bagan )
Sand stupe event at Twante ( Twante, Yangon Division )
Shwe Kyet Yet Pagoda festival ( Mandalay )
Taung Yoe Festival at Pindaya cave ( Shan State )
Shit Thaung Pagoda festival ( Myauk U, Rakhine State )

May
Kasone Full Moon Festival ( nation wide )

June
Nayone Festival of Tipitaka
Shwe Myin Tin Pagoda Festival ( Meikhtila )
Kyaung Daw Yar Pagoda festival ( Pwint Phyu, Magway Division )

July
Waso Festival ( nation wide )

August
Taungpyone Nat or Sprit Festival ( Tyaungpyone, Mandalay )
Yadana Gu Nat Festival ( Amarapura, Mandalay Division )

September / October
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival ( Inle, Shan State )
Performing Arts Competition ( Yangon )
Shwe Kyin Light Floating Festival.

October
Shweku Tanke Pwe ( Pakkoku )
Thadingyut Light Festival ( nation wide )
Kyauk Se Elephant Dance Festival ( Kyauk Se, Mandalay )
Shwe Zi Gone Pagoda Festival ( Bagan )
Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda Festival ( Mandalay )

November
Kyaikhtiyo ( Golden Rock ) Festival ( Kyaik Hto, Mon State )
Hot Air Ballons & Fire works Festival ( Taunggyi, Shan State )
Kahtein / Robe Offering Festival ( nation wide )
Tazaungdine Festival of Lights ( nation wide )
Robe - weaving Contest Festival ( nation wide )
Astrologer’s Ceremony ( Shwe phone pwint Pagoda, Yangon )

December
9,000 Candle Light Event ( Koe Htut Gyi Pagoda, Yangon )
Kayin New Year Day
Kaung Hmu Daw Pagoda Festival ( Sagaing )
The Traditional Boat Regatta Festival ( Kandawgyi Lake, Yangon )
Writer’s Day ( nation wide )

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -