Myanmar’s Traditional Atā Thingyan Festival has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (5-12-2024, Asunción)

“Myanmar’s Traditional Atā Thingyan Festival” to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was officially approved on 5 December 2024 during the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Asunción, Paraguay from 2 to 7 December, marking the first time that Myanmar’s “Traditional Ata Thingyan Festival” has been officially added to the world list of intangible cultural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, U Kyaw Zeya, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Myanmar to UNESCO, highlighted that the successful inscription of Myanmar New Year Atā Thingyan Festival in the Intangible Culture Heritage List was a result of the steadfast efforts and collaboration of all stakeholders and communities in Myanmar.
The Myanmar Permanent Delegate explained that Atã Thingyan is one of the most recognized and widely celebrated events in Myanmar, usually in mid-April, by all national races around the country; despite being first recorded on the Myanmar National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2020, the earliest mentions of Atã Thingyan in historical records dated back to Bagan Period (of the 11th century AD). He also said that Atã Thingyan brings communities together as people join hands to celebrate the Myanmar New Year; people enjoy splashing water on each other—an act that is believed to bring good fortune through its symbolic cleansing; common activities also include pouring scented water over Buddha images, offering traditional food to all comers, setting animals free as Jivita dana (or donation of life), and joining meditation retreats. He said decorated pandals or stages set up in towns and cities feature cultural shows and performances whereas Atã Thingyan also attracts international guests, and its exhilarating experience offers visitors a glimpse into Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.
The submission process’s successful completion was made possible by the support and cooperation of the government, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, the Myanmar Cultural Heritage Preservation Committee and its chairman and members, NGOs from regions and states, ethnic communities, media, and social media users, and the public who value Myanmar’s cultural heritage, as well as relevant experts and organizations.
Reference: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Myanmar News Agency