THINGYAN FESTIVAL
at Vipassana Meditation Centre (Singapore) 
"Thingyan" from the Sanskrit "samkranta" or "completely passed over" represents the celebration of the passing over of the Sun From the Sign of Pisces to the Sign of Aries in the Zodiac. It culminated with the beginning of the Myanmar New Year. It comprises five days - the eve, the descent, the middle, the ascent, and the New Year.

Water throwing is the most prevalent manifestation of the traditional Thingyan Spirit. This is symbolic of washing away bad consequences of the outgoing year and ushering in clear and good happenings for the incoming New Year.

Meritorious deeds such as bathing the Buddha image; offering foods and other requisites to monks; washing the hair of the elderly in the community; "Catu-disa" or providing free food to all comers from the four cardinal points; novitiating one's children or other children who cannot afford to do so; entering into monkhood for adults; sponsoring those who want to enter in monkhood; "Jivitadhana" or releasing birds, fish and animals; and other charitable and meritorious deeds are performed in a traditional manner as well.