Article

Embracing Cultural Heritage: Celebrating the Thadingyut Festival

17 Oct,2024 - Yangon | 2 mins read

Author: U Win Swe, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at ATOM

In October, as the rainy season comes to an end, the skies clear and brighten, marking the time to celebrate Myanmar's Thadingyut Festival. Thadingyut is the final month of the monsoon season, when the rains begin to recede and the sun starts to shine again. People poetically refer to this time as the "dawn of the winter season," as the weather becomes clear and pleasant. Thadingyut is also significant as it marks the end of Buddhist Lent, a three-month period of retreat for monks, which is why it is called "Thadingyut, the end of Lent."

The Significance of Thadingyut

Among the 12 cultural festivals in Myanmar, the Thadingyut Festival of Lights holds special religious significance. It commemorates Buddha’s descent from Tāvatiṃsa heaven, accompanied by Devas and Brahmas, returning to the mortal world, and people light up to welcome him. From then on, people began lighting up their homes, pagodas, temples, and streets on "Abhidhamma Day."

Thadingyut also embodies a beautiful cultural tradition. Beyond the festivities, it serves as a reminder to repay kindness and show respect to those who have nurtured and guided us. During this time, Buddhists bow or prostrate before their parents, teachers, and elders – those who have been instrumental in their lives. It’s a time to ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings, whether big or small, and to express gratitude. This tradition reflects the politeness, deep respect, and auspicious nature of Myanmar’s culture.

My Thadingyut Memories

If I had to choose based on my preference, I would select the Thingyan Water Festival as the most enjoyable among the 12 festivals in Myanmar, and the Thadingyut Festival as the most delightful, with its beautiful lanterns lighting up the night. When Thadingyut arrives, the whole family is happy, preparing to light candles and celebrate. One of my fondest childhood memories is visiting my relatives, paying homage, and celebrating the Thadingyut Festival, dressed in my best clothes. Now, as I have grown older and entered the working world, I feel a deep sense of joy seeing my colleagues, relatives, and younger co-workers visit and pay their respects during Thadingyut. It fills me with happiness to meet them during this special time.

Upholding Cultural Traditions at ATOM

At ATOM, we believe in preserving and honouring traditions – not just by celebrating Myanmar's traditional festivals, such as Thadingyut, but as part of our everyday operations. We typically celebrate Thadingyut in the office before the long weekend. Integrating these customs into our corporate culture fosters a strong sense of belonging among our employees and partners. It enhances teamwork and collaboration within our diverse workforce, while maintaining a deep respect for the traditions that make Myanmar so unique. By actively embracing our cultural heritage, we reinforce ATOM’s commitment to being a company that values and cares about the well-being of its people.

Conclusion

As Thadingyut approaches, it serves as a reminder of the values that bind us together – respect, unity, and gratitude. This year, during Thadingyut period, we are engaging with communities and making donations focused on supporting our customers.

To all our valued customers, partners, employees and stakeholders, I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a joyous Thadingyut Festival. May this sacred time bring you peace, good health, and the opportunity to connect with loved ones.

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