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Announcement: Rakhaing Thingyan - N



Subject: Announcement: Rakhaing Thingyan - NY

RAKHAING THINGYAN
Third Annual Burmese New Year Water Festival - New York
Sunday, July 13, 11am to 5pm
At the Cross Island Y (238-10 Hillside Avenue, Bellerose, NY)
There will be a food bazaar, plenty of entertainment, the event admission
is
FREE and open to the public.
An indoor pool will be open so bring a bathing suit if you'd like to swim.
And, a lock - locker rooms
available.
This festival is a faithful re-creation of the most important social event
in Burma.  A decorated canoe is
suspended four feet above the ground.  It is filled to the brim with water.
Competing teams of men and
women, boys and girls douse each other as a symbol of welcoming in a pure
and clean New Year.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a change of clothes.  Traditional Burmese
food bazaar, dancers, music
and Sofwar's performance will also be part of the day's activities.
Last year, the Water Festival was attended by over 600.  We expect an even
larger turn out this year.
The Thingyan Association ("thingyan" means renewal in Burmese) is comprised
of artists and professionals
who promote and maintain awareness of the Burmese culture and heritage.
FEATURING:
Nan Thar Hlaing An-Nyient Performing Troop - This year, the Festival will
include the American debut
of Burmese comedian Sofwar.  He looks forwards to FULLY exercising his
right
of Free Speech.
Su Mon Win and Dance Group - will feature classical and folk dances.
Ever Smile Musical Band - with traditional and pop Burmese Music.
HOW TO GET THERE?
By public transportation -- F subway to 179th St. and Hillside Ave.  Go up
to the street and take the Q43
bus (15 minutes) east bound to the Y.  It stops right in front on 238th
Street.
By car from the Manhattan area -- LIE (east bound) or Grand Central Pkwy
(east bound) to Cross Island
Parkway (south bound).  Exit at Hillside Ave.  Make a right and drive a few
blocks to the Y.  It's on the
left.  There are two parking lots -- one on each side of the building.
By car from NJ or Staten Island -- Take the Belt Parkway North/East to the
Cross Island Parkway
North.  Exit at Hillside Ave.  Make a left.  Go a few blocks to the Y.
It's
on the left.  There are two
parking lots -- one on each side of the building.
WHAT IS THINGYAN FESTIVAL?
HOW IS IT CELEBRATED?
The New Year's celebration in Burma/Myanmar is called Atar Thingyan Pwe.
Atar means change and
rejuvenation.  The annual festival to bring in the new year takes place in
April and is celebrated for three
days.  It is said that the festival is held on occasion of the Thagyar Min
descending to earth and staying
with the human beings for the three days.  Water is joyously poured upon
everyone, to cleanse away the
past year's troubles, tribulations and to give blessing for the coming
year.
Given that the festival is held
during the hottest time of the year in Burma/Myanmar, pouring water has a
practical aspect since it cools
everyone celebrating.  Thingyan Festival is also held in neighboring
countries of Thailand, Laos, Yunan
China and Cambodia, although not on the scale celebrated in Burma/Myanmar.
The version of the festival that is mainly held in the Rakhaing State has
unique features.  It focuses on the
Laung Hlay, the traditional racing rowing boat.  The Laung Hlay is filled
with water and a group of young
damsels stand guard.  The young men wishing to play ask the ladies or a
specific lady (this is where making
new friends part comes in) permission for a bowl of water from the Laung
Hlay.  If she agrees he is handed
a cup and bowl of water from the Laung Hlay.  Then the young man and the
young women splash water at
each other facing one another over a barrier - he with only a bowlful, she
with the entire Laung Hlay.
When the young man's water runs out he has to ask for more.  If she wishes
to continue, she obliges.  When
the water runs out in the Laung Hlay, another group is given a turn.
Another version which is more competitive, is to have a "team" of young
women and men facing one
another across the water-filled Laung Hlay.  When a signal is given to
start, they will splash water on the
face of one another.  If anyone in a team, who can no longer withstand the
splashing tries of cover the face
with the hand then the team loses.  The referee is present to decide which
team wins.
FOR MORE INFORMATION E-MAIL
thisthis@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx