I don’t think anyone would disagree that Atar Thingyan is the most joyful festival for the people of Myanmar. As times change, the word "Thingyan" often brings to mind images of water throwing on the streets and festive parties. In reality, however, the Myanmar New Year Atar Thingyan is a subtle, peaceful, and lovely traditional custom.

To spend an auspicious Thingyan according to these traditions, you should prioritize the true essence of the festival: purification, merit-making, and warm family moments.

Purification

According to Myanmar custom, people cleanse their bodies with water during Thingyan to ensure that the "impurities" of the old year do not follow them into the new one. This cleansing also extends to the soul through the performance of good deeds. Furthermore, it is a beautiful tradition to clean one's home and surroundings, as well as to help wash and care for grandparents and elders as a way of gaining merit. To have a truly auspicious Thingyan, you should focus on purifying both yourself and your environment while avoiding negative habits.

Merit-Making

While purification itself involves good deeds, there are many other ways to gain merit during this time. Many people observe the Sabbath (Precepts), while others prepare and donate food in the form of Satuditha (charity feasts). Even if it’s not on a large scale, it is common to make traditional snacks at home and share them with neighbors. Even though water play is a major part of the festival, these acts of kindness are the most auspicious ways to celebrate Atar Thingyan, found uniquely in Myanmar culture.

Warm Family Time

One thing that is often forgotten in this modern era is that Atar Thingyan is a tradition of family reunions and spending warm moments together. In truth, rather than just going out to roam the streets, creating warm moments, such as paying respect to parents and elders (Gadaw), performing merit-making acts as a family, or cooking snacks together at home, is what truly makes for an auspicious New Year. To balance modern celebrations with tradition, I encourage you to enjoy the festivities outside but also ensure you dedicate quality time to your family at home. After all, Thingyan isn't just a one-day event!

I hope these thoughts give you some inspiration on how to celebrate an auspicious New Year while keeping our traditions alive. May you all lead happy and peaceful lives starting from this Myanmar New Year, and may you be able to perform better deeds in the year ahead.