Narinjara News, April 13, 2025

The traditional Thingyan celebrations in Rakhine will not take place this year across the entire state due to the military circumstances.

The junta's air strikes may occur during the Thingyan celebration in different regions of Rakhine state.

"Airstrikes by the junta may occur if crowds assemble during Thingyan," a local elder said.

The traditional Rakhine Thingyan festivities include the fragrance-grinding festival, the water pouring and playful water activities among young men and women in pavilions, as well as the presentation of flowers and the illumination of lamps in pagodas and monasteries.

The Arakan Army AA has released a six-point guideline concerning Thingyan and made a request to the Rakhine community.

The six points consist of prohibiting driving through towns and villages, engaging in water activities, constructing water pavilions that draw large crowds, organizing shows, and conducting packed religious ceremonies in monasteries.

The Rakhine Thingyan festival takes place annually from April 13 to April 17, with April 17 marking the New Year in the Arakanese calendar. In 2024, it was also called off due to clashes and apprehensions regarding aerial attacks by the military council.