From 13th to 16th April, several Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar and Thailand, celebrate the water festival—known as Thingyan in Myanmar and Songkran in Thailand—to welcome the traditional New Year on 17th April.
During the last four days of the year, we splash water on one another as a way of wishing for a fresh and clean start to the new year. It is also a special time for families to come together—cooking, eating, and sharing joy and love.
As many of us are away from our families, we would love to celebrate this meaningful occasion with all of you, as Goodenough College is truly a home away from home. While we will maintain some traditional aspects of the festival, it is also a lively celebration—much like a nationwide carnival. We hope you will get to experience both sides of it!
This may be the last year we have Myanmar students at the College—and even across UK universities—due to recent visa restrictions affecting Myanmar students. So please don’t miss this chance to experience Myanmar culture. We warmly invite you to join us—tickets are now available!
Here is the tentative agenda:
- A brief presentation on the Water Festival
- Traditional Myanmar Water Festival dance
- Tasting a festive sweet treat (Mont Let Saung – coconut milk with rice flour jelly)
- Making glutinous rice balls together
- Games
Good food, good music, and good vibes guaranteed!
Friday 17 April 2026 7pm - 9pm
William Goodenough House, Large Common Room