Off the wire
• Australian man abused 28 children via social media: police  • Gold price opens higher in Hong Kong  • South Korea's import, export prices rose for two months  • Iron ore price to hit 35 U.S. dollars per tonne: Australian treasurer  • Jordan Spieth wins first Masters title at Augusta  • Tokyo stocks open slightly higher  • Hobart Airport website taken offline after cyber-attack  • China's former state-assets manager stands trial over corruption  • Dollar trades in lower 120 yen range in early Tokyo deals  • Spieth wins Masters  
You are here: 　 Home

Myanmar bans sale of alcohol during water festival

Xinhua, April 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

Myanmar authorities has banned sale of alcohol around water throwing pandals in Nay Pyi Taw during the traditional Thingyan Water Festival commencing on Monday.

The ban of selling alcohol is aimed at avoiding brawls caused by alcohol consumption, said the authorities, adding that skimpy clothing is also banned.

There are nine water throwing pavilions in the capital's hotel zone where merry making people are welcome with entertainment arranged.

Meanwhile, full strength of police and security members are being deployed at every pandal in the zone to ensure the safety of all revelers and to reduce unwanted criminal cases during the four- day festive event after which it will usher in the Myanmar new year on Friday.

Water is a symbol of not only cleanliness but also auspiciousness. Myanmar people believe that celebration of the water festival can wash away past evil and sin and prepare for a happy year ahead.

Among the country's 12 festivals, the Thingyan water festival represents the grandest, bringing peace and prosperity to the entire population. Endi