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The term 'Tagu' refers to the first calendar month of Mayanmar or Burma which going by the Gregorian calendar is the month of April. This period is often called as “Thingyan” in Burma which literally means the Water Festival or the period of change, the change is from one year to another. The Tagu or the month of April which is the first month of New Year of Burma marks the commencement of fanfare, merry making and various kinds of traditional celebrations. Tagu indicates the arrival of Burmese celebrations that is quite different from the way a New Year is celebrated in most parts of the world.
In the middle of April or Tagu, their first month of a New Year the Burmese people shower blessings on each other by splashing water,cultural performances and festivities. The water is thrown over each other to indicate the sharing of blessings while observing the commencement of another year. This Burmese celebration to welcome the New Year is marked with extravagant revelry. This movement of one year to the other is referred as the 'Thingyan' by the natives of Burma. The four days of Tagu celebrations in Burma is marked with pompous events and music. The ambiance is more of fun and gaiety and the Burmese not known to be big celebrators tend to enjoy every moment of it.
The water throwing event that takes place as part of Tagu celebrations in Burma is a traditional practice for Burmese. At the beginning of a New Year, the water throwing activity signifies that one's dirt from the body is washed off and he is fresh and purified for the next year. During the New Year celebration, people go to the Pagodas and Monasteries and devote themselves to prayers; they also offer food and clothing to the monks and the nuns in the monasteries leading a recluse life. Socially the blessings of the elderly people are also considered to be sacred and helpful for the betterment of one's life. The most exciting practice during this period is the setting of cattle, fish and other animals; this is considered to be a pious activity indicating the arrival of a New Year.
It is believed that the King of Nats, Tha-gya-min, took abode to the world of human beings to bring peace and prosperity to the lives of common people. His reincarnation as an ordinary human being is symbolic of bringing in peace and prosperity to common masses.
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