Every year, Myanmar celebrates its Independence Day on January 4 to mark the Declaration of Independence from Britain on January 4, 1948.
The President and the Vice-President of the country address the nation and the day is a public holiday. Schools, offices, and markets remain closed while a number of educational institutions hoist the national flag to mark the occasion. The Independence Day ceremony at People’s Park in Yangonis organized by the national government and begins at 04.20 am. Naypyidaw, the capital city also holds parades and there are a number of cultural programs held at every corner of the country. The day is celebrated with much fun and official ceremonies are organized for public viewing.
Burma since independence:
Ethnic discord created problems for Burma’s first independent parliament however, democracy survived until Gen. Ne Win led a military coup in 1962. And into the 1980s, Win’s socialist party isolated the country and its economy declined significantly. On Aug. 8, 1988, thousands of protesters massed to demand political reform. Monks and students led peaceful demonstrations, which ended when the army opened fire, killing an estimated 3,000 people. the country’s ruling military junta—which changed the country’s name to Myanmar in 1989 drew sanctions from the United States and the European Union for human rights violations.
Celebration:
Most of the people dress in their national costume, which consists of an aingyi (blouse or shirt) and a longyi (skirt). Men are seen wearing their collarless Burmese shirts. A dish known as panthay khowse (noodles and chicken) is traditionally served on this day, as is nga sak kin (curried fish balls). The preferred beverage is tea.
