As many were returning by cars, buses, trains, boats, ships and by air from their long holiday destinations to their respective duty stations, the express and highway roads were teeming with vehicles while bus stations, train stations, ports and airports were full of travellers returning.
Ma Thin Thwe of Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, Department of Social Welfare (Nay Pyi Taw) who returned to her parents in Magway Region, Natmauk Town said, “I return from Natmauk to Nay Pyi Taw today. The bus I took was full both ways as there were a lot of travellers. I bought the return bus ticket three-days in advance on the day I arrived back in Natmauk. I need to back here today as I have to start work tomorrow. I paid homage to my mother and it was a happy reunion with my siblings and relatives. Even though it was a long holiday, I thought it was too short. I want to buy some gifts for my friends here but I ran out of money so I can’t do that!”
It was obvious from the voices heard from the people, postings on social media websites and news articles in various media that the government extension of the three-day Thadingyut holidays to five-day was welcomed joyously.
During this Thadingyut holidays many visited famous and well-known places throughout Myanmar such as Mandalay, Bagan NyaungU, Popa, Pyin Oo Lwin, Taunggyi, Inle, Pindaya, Kalaw, Loikaw, Dawei, Ngapali, Chaungtha, Ngwe Saung, Kyaiktiyo, Bago, Myitkyina, Hpa An etc. There were even many who travelled to ASEAN destinations of Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam as well as regional destinations like Korea and China.
Daw Win Nanda Myint who went to visit Maesai, Thailand overland with family during the holiday said “This is the first time our family travelled during Thadingyut. It was due to the long holiday that my husband was able to take us on this trip.
We were in Tachilek yesterday. We first visit Tachilek Shwedagon Pagoda and then crossed over to Maesai in Thailand. We found many visiting Myanmar people like us in Queen’s Park and Quan Yin monastery. Flight tickets to Tachilek were fully booked and it was lucky we were able to get our tickets. I learnt a lot about the region.”
Ko Thant Zin from Yangon Region Bahan Township said, “As my kids had a long school holiday, the whole family went on a tour of upper Myanmar. We first visit Kyaukse and observed the famous elephant dance. We went to Singaung Mountain in Ywangan and bath in Zawgyi River. We visit places of interest in Pyin Oo Lwin. The whole family enjoyed the trip.”
U Than Win working in Yangon Region Thanlyin Township Information and Public Relations Department who visited Bago Region Shwekyi Town said, “I return to Yangon today. I went to Shwekyin Town Thadingyut light festival with my friends. It was just a rest and recreation visit. We went on this trip by a rented car. As it was a long holiday, public servants like us can go on a trip, visit parents and relatives in home town, or even stay at home with family and do good deeds like making a donation. After the holiday, we can return to our job refreshed and ready to take up whatever assignment we may be given.”
Middle school teacher Ma Khin Moe Aye of Yangon Region Hmawby Township who went on a twoday holiday in Chaungtha Beach with family said, “I’m returning to my school in 16th. Even though I enjoy teaching youngsters, I was quite stressed-out after halfway through the school year. This was a welcome break that refreshes me. Now I can return to teach the youngsters with renewed energy.”
People who had enjoyed this long holiday alone or with family, friends, parents and relatives will remember the joyous restful days as they prepare to take up assigned jobs, works, duties and responsibilities with renewed energy and drives.
Interviewed by Thi Thi Min, Min Thit (MNA)
(Translated by Zaw Min)
Photo by Nay Lin
Ref; THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
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