Practice of Thanakha Culture: Myanma Thanakha Campaign in Sittwe

Plans are underway to submit a dossier for the "Practice of Thanakha Culture in Myanmar" to be inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2025. 

As part of the efforts, Rakhine State Government organized a campaign in Sittwe on Wednesday. Chief Minister U Htein Lin stressed the need to compile complete nomination dossier for Thanakha, calling for cooperation of all concerned organizations for success of the submission. 

The event featured the screening of a documentary video on Myanma Thanakha along with the performances of Rakhine cultural troupe. In addition, the attendees took part in the activities of applying Thanakha paste. The application of Thanakha paste is a beloved tradition among Myanmar nationals since ancient times.

In order to safeguard this invaluable aspect of the nation’s intangible culture, the government has designated the Full Moon Day of Tabodwe as "Myanma Thanakha Day," which is celebrated annually. Myanmar first submitted the nomination for the "Practice of Thanakha Culture in Myanmar" to UNESCO five years ago. 

However, it was decided that the nomination would be resubmitted with more comprehensive and detailed data. The resubmission of dossier has to be made before March 25th, and if it was succeeded, Thanakha will be the second listed cultural heritage after the traditional Thingyan Festival which was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2024.