Myanamr's Yangon bans setting up pavilions on crowded roads for water festival

Myanmar's Yangon regional government has denied over 300 proposals for setting up commercial pavilions on the city's two most crowded roads for throwing water in the upcoming water festival due to start on April 12.

The ban on such erection on Kaba Aye Pagoda road and Kandawgyi circular road is said to be made for the reason of security and traffic congestion.

The denial was also seen as an attempt to reduce the use of water in the festival as part of the preventive measures against possible water scarcity, most likely resulting from El Nino.

New Yangon region chief minister U Phyo Min Thein said exploitation of Thingyan water festival for commercial gain is not allowed, warning of zero tolerance on alcohol consumption by young people during the festival.

According to Yangon police, it will deploy over 8,000 policemen to provide security and safety for revelers.

Traffic police will also be deployed to help ease traffic jam and halt violation of traffic rules in crowded places.

Last year, there were 78 commercial pavilions on the two major roads in Yangon.

Myanmar people will celebrate their Thingyan Water Festival from April 12 to 16 and Myanmar's traditional new year will usher in on April 17.

The Myanmar water festival, which is for all ages, also represents a unique and entertaining event.

Among Myanmar's 12 seasonal festivals throughout the year, the Thingyan water festival represents the grandest which brings peace and prosperity to the entire people. Enditem