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Announcement: Rakhaing Thingyan - N (r)



Subject: Re: Announcement: Rakhaing Thingyan - NY

I have some Burmese friends in New York who might like to attend.

Who can they call now for more details?

Struggling and juggling American friend of Burmese,

John


Winston_Lee@xxxxxxx wrote:
> 
> 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

-- 
John Visher
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