Myanmar to punish performances against traditional culture in water festival

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/02/content_11120144.htm

www.chinaview.cn 2009-04-02 15:29:33

YANGON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The Myanmar authorities have warned of severe action to be taken against performances and singing deemed as not conforming to Myanmar culture in the upcoming Myanmar traditional water festival, the leading local weekly Yangon Times reported Thursday.

The authorities have issued rules for artists to abide by when launching the water festival, calling for staying away from dressing in a decadent way, dressing with political sign and singing in an uncultured manner.

Video tape records covering the event will serve as evidences to charge those who broke the rules, the state-organized Myanmar Music Association said, warning that rule breakers will be revoked with their business license and vocalists be banned from singing if so found.



This year's Myanmar traditional Thingyan Water festival will start from April 13 and will run for four days until April 16 before the new year day ushers in on April 17 according to the Myanmar lunar calendar.

The Myanmar water festival represents a unique and entertaining event, and people of all ages, especially the young ones, have started making plan to spend the long holidays.


Editor: Fang Yang