Being a Land of Festivals, Myanmar is where locals hold a festival for every month of the year. Most festivals are religious and cultural. While the majority is nation-wide celebrated, a few are distinctly regional. Normally, the date of the special events and festivals fall on the fullmoon day of month. Indochina tours Myanmar
March Overview
Myanmar in March-source: Internet
If you want to visit Myanmar, there should be no better choice than March; arguably the best time of the year to travel in this beautiful country. Of course, the downside to the great weather is the tourist numbers, and whilst these are anything but excessive, the limited choice of hotels in some main tourist sites means that to avoid disappointment, it is important to book in advance.
You can expect excellent weather across the country, with no rain expected throughout the month and the chilly winter feel in the highlands now a distant memory. In the south and along the west coast, the beaches will be basking in sunshine, whilst the chill has been lifted off foothills and Shan region. The central plains will also be dry and hot although more manageable than in the months to come. Temperatures in the northern and eastern highlands will be in the low 30’s°C and in the lowlands average highs of 35°C. Myanmar travel tours
Shwedagon Pagoda Festival
Shwedagon Pagoda Festival-source: Internet
- Date: Full Moon Day of Tabaung
- Location: Yangon
- Duration: Approximately one week preceding the full moon day
Taking place in late February or early March, the Shwedagon Pagoda Festival celebrates the enshrinement of the sacred hair of the Buddha that resides at the pagoda, is one of the Myanmar’s biggest festivals in a year.
For foreigners, the entrance fee is $8, and in the area, you can find many guides who will tell you more about the history of the pagoda. although buses (K200) also serve the area, traveling by taxi (K2500) is the easiest way to get to the Shwedagon Pagoda from downtown. Remember to check more information on Yangon buses.
Peasant’s Day
Myanmar peasants-source: Internet
Also known as Farmers’ Day, Peasants’ Day, which is held annually on the 2nd March, is a public holiday marking the importance of the country’s rural workers and honoring the contribution of farming and agriculture to Myanmar.
During this holiday, Burma’s local leaders arrange some talks about reforms in peasantry around this country and current issues that challenge the agricultural field’s development. As Peasants’ Day is a national holiday, there are only some private companies remaining open while public companies are closed. Families and individuals can choose to stay at home or go to the local temples, pagodas and parks in the area. Also, around the country, there are several trades and cultural shows organized showcasing traditional arts, culture and crafts.
History of Myanmar Peasants’ Day
Peasants can join in local activities-source: Internet
Occupying around 70 percent of Myanmar’s population, the peasant sector is certainly the most productive workforce in this country. Thus, it is no surprise that Myanmar recognizes the powerful role of farmers in driving the economic output of this country. However, as rebels usually flew to the jungles of Myanmar to avoid prosecution and seek protection, whenever a power struggle happens in the country, the farming sector usually suffers most.
The country has long been waiting to be transformed into a developed nation with plans of improving the industrial sector of the society, however, political instability, corruption and inadequate funding halt the region from being aware of its truest potential.
Before 1965, the entire peasantry experienced usury and improper use of agricultural land. Farmers had to rent farming lands and not all of them could keep up with the rising land rent cost. During this time, to protect the farmers against this practice, laws including the passing of protecting farmers against land renting were passed, leading to massive land reformation. Made under the military administration of Ne Win, all these acts all continue until today.
Today, as the whole country’s economy depends heavily on agriculture sector, to protect farmers from unfair land treatment and support their various causes, Myanmar still focuses on the development of new technologies and laws.
Ko Gyi Kyaw Spirit Festival
Ko Gyi Kyaw Spirit Festival-source: Internet
- Date: the 3rd Waxing to the 10th Waxing of Tabaung
- Location: Pakhan, Yayzagyo Township
- Duration: 8 days
It is an amazing experience to see the dancing and singing of the worshippers to Ko Gyi Kyaw; a happy spirit who loves to gamble and drink. It is in his home town; Yayzagyo, Mandalay region that this annual festival in his honor is celebrated.
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