Burma festivals and events 2026: dates
Festivals and events in Burma in 2026: the dates of each one and what it means for your trip — celebrations, closures, high prices and when to book ahead.
Thingyan (Water Festival) 2026
Book aheadBurmese new year water festival (mid-April). The whole country slows down for several days.
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival 2026
CelebrationInle Lake's grand festival with a golden royal barge and leg-rowers. Lunar dates, usually Sep–Oct.
About 18 days in the Burmese month of Thadingyut (September–October), ending around its full moon.
Thadingyut (Festival of Lights) 2026
CelebrationLights and lanterns mark the end of Buddhist Lent. Lunar dates, usually October.
Three days around the full moon of Thadingyut, the 7th Burmese month, which ends Buddhist Lent (in October).
Tazaungdaing (Festival of Lights) 2026
CelebrationHot-air balloon competitions, dazzling in Taunggyi near Inle Lake. Lunar date, usually November.
Full moon of Tazaungmon, the 8th Burmese month (in November); Taunggyi's balloons fly in the days before.