IN A country of many festivals, Thingyan is Myanmar’s biggest and most enjoyable. The four days of water-throwing and celebrations are rich in symbolism and significance as well as fun, filled with youthful exuberance.

It is a time when Myanmar have a chance to cleanse themselves of the past year’s mistakes and regrets and motivate themselves for success in the new year.

It is also a time of reflection on the past year’s successes and failures and a chance to set goals to capitalise on those already attained.

The holding of festival is not linked solely to religion. That is why almost every Myanmar will include themselves in the celebrations even though not all venture out for a thorough dousing.

At this time it is good to make a New Year’s wish because it challenges us to focus on something we want to get done. If we are serious about our resolutions, they encourage us to become more disciplined, dependent and committed people. Resolutions that have been kept teach us, and those around us, important lessons on life.

Many people also want to start new activities or stop nasty old habits at New Year.

Maybe some of us may wish to forget this past year because of the hardships we had to confront. Others may be energised too because of what they learned about themselves and others from dealing with particular hardships. It is the hope of this paper and its staff that in some small way we rejuvenated a desire to move forward.

This Thingyan, 2008, augurs in a year of great anticipation as the nation is pivotally poised for great change.

In just a matter of weeks the whole population will cast their vote on adopting a new constitution.

If approved the stage is set for Myanmar to move towards a multi-party democracy in 2010.

We hear much from the government about a new phase in the country’s history, about democracy, reform and genuineness.

We sincerely hope at this time the new year will indeed usher in the beginning of profound changes in Myanmar and that this diverse and beautiful country can rightfully stand tall in the international community.

It is therefore appropriate that we take some time during this Thingyan to reflect quietly on our future and pray for success in the times ahead.

However you intend to spend Thingyan, make it a happy and healthy celebration.

The Myanmar Times therefore takes this opportunity to wish all of its readers and clients an auspicious start to the New Year.