MU celebrates water festival of Myanmar
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 21 2023:
'Thingyan 2023' organised by Manipur University's Centre for Myanmar Studies concluded on Friday with a performance of Burmese songs by Arbin Soibam.
According to Thingyan 2023 Organising Committee chairperson Dr Thongam Somola Devi, 'Thingyan' commonly referred to as 'Water Festival' is celebrated across Myanmar as a New Year's Day.
The programme was attended by MU vice chancellor Prof Naorem Lokendra Singh as chief guest and Centre for Myanmar Studies director Prof MC Arunkumar as president, while MU registrar Prof W Chandbabu Singh and Manipur University Students' Union president Thokchom Sonamani were present as guests of honour.
The programme began with sprinkling of water with 'Thabyay' after releasing fishes (Ngamu) and tree plantation at Manung Pukhri, MU.
Further, the chief guest after showering the inaugural tree which is a symbol of 'Thingyan Lamp' released the 'Thingyan shirt' at the premises of the centre.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof N Lokendro expressed the need for a comparative research work on the cultural similarities between Myanmar and North East India in general and Manipur in particular through folklore, ancient texts and materials in order to understand the land and people of this region.
The festival was marked by Ngamu Thaba, tree plantation, painting competition, karaoke contest (English & Manipuri) and cultural dance of Myanmar performed by MU students.
Students, teachers of the varsity and invitees took part in the festival.