Relief as Myanmar's water festival ends peacefully
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Myanmar's Thingyan water festival has ended peacefully, despite concerns that trouble in the wake of the Meikhtila riot and the ongoing conflict in Bago, might boil over into festivities.
Country officials said statistics also showed there were fewer fatalities this year, while the number of arrests made was also down on last year’s figures.
Following violence in the Bago Region, authorities decided to beef up security during the festival due to public concerns about safety. However, no serious incidents were reported during the traditional water celebrations, officials said.
Despite increased security the number of revellers taking part was down on last year, officials said, although it is believed this was partly to do with the high temperatures in the capital, Yangon.
Only 40 large platforms, or “pandals”, from which to splash water were erected this year, significantly fewer that last year, said officials – who also noted that there were more people watching the water festivities than taking part.
Authorities said stricter security was maintained at water-playing pavilions this year, adding that the most popular spots for festival-goers were the the AGD Bank water pavilion on Pyay Road and the Sky Net pavilion located in Yangon’s Chinatown where a number of celebrities and singers, performed for the crowds.
Among those performing was Myanmar’s famous rock band Iron Cross and the singer Sai Sai Kham Hlaing.
Since traditional Thingyan chants are now legally allowed, many groups around the pavilions amused spectators with their renditions.
“We want everybody to celebrate in peace, without any unpleasantness,” said one group of chanters.
Over 3,000 police personnel took part in security operations during the festival this year. Revellers entering water pavilions were checked for weapons and alcohol.
According to authorities there were 16 deaths and 83 people injured between April 13 to 16.
Incidents during the festival included one fatality in a car accident on April 13; seven car accidents, seven fatalities and 30 injured on April 14; and six car accidents, two fatalities and 11 injured on April 15. Other criminal prosecutions included six fatalities.
