Mynamar New Year celebrated

Islamabad
The ambassador of Myanmar and Mrs U Pe Thien Tin hosted a reception to celebrate the Myanmar New Year, which falls in mid April. The function was held at the Serena Hotel and attended by many ambassadors; their wives and Pakistanis from different walks of life.
As guests arrived they were greeted warmly and presented with a sprig of the national flower of Myanmar, the beautiful yellow Paduak, with ladies of the embassy dressed in their national costume, helping to pin it on lapels and dresses. Inside the hall a stage had been set up and seating had been arranged for a cultural show though guests stood around and interacted with each other before the official proceedings began.
Welcoming his guests, the host said a few words about the Myanmar New Year and also the national flower, explaining the significance of both and regretting that it had not been possible for them to import the real flowers so they were using artificial ones instead. He concluded by hoping the guests would enjoy the evening. After this a video screening showed glimpses of people in different parts of the country celebrating the festival with a lot of enthusiasm, happily throwing water on each other and having a great time. It reminded of the time when the embassy used to celebrate this festival in Islamabad in letter and spirit, with water being thrown on each other by guests and hosts alike! A short cultural show followed and dinner was served with Myanmar specialties which guests really enjoyed.
‘Thingyan’ or the Myanmar New Year Water Festival usually falls around mid-April (the month of Tagu). It is a Buddhist festival celebrated over a period of four to five days culminating in the New Year. Formerly the dates of the festival were calculated according to the traditional Myanmar calendar but it is now fixed according to the Gregorian calendar between April 13th to 16th sometimes coinciding with Easter. The dates of the festival are observed as the most important public holiday throughout Myanmar and are part of the holidays at the end of the school year. Water-throwing or dousing one another from any shape or form of vessel, or device that delivers water, is the distinguishing feature of this festival and may be done on the first four days of the festival.
The Paduak blossoms in tiny fragrant yellow-gold flowers after the first showers in April, coinciding with the Myanmar New Year festival. Once in bloom, the entire tree turns gold overnight. The Myanmar people regard the tree as the symbol of strength and durability and homes are decorated with the flowers until celebrations last.