Myanmar's Inaugural Thanakha Performance Contest Showcases Cultural Heritage for UNESCO Recognition
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On February 13, Myanmar hosted its first Thanakha performance competition in Yangon, featuring participants showcasing their cultural heritage through the traditional use of Thanakha. This event aims to promote the cultural significance of Thanakha and support its recognition by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
Key Takeaways
- Thanakha is a traditional cosmetic paste in Myanmar.
- The competition aims to promote cultural heritage.
- Community involvement is vital for UNESCO recognition.
- 36 groups participated, showcasing diverse ethnic cultures.
- Department of Archaeology is preparing a UNESCO submission.
Yangon, Feb 13 (NationPress) Myanmar has hosted its inaugural performance competition dedicated to Thanakha in Yangon, uniting individuals who proudly displayed their cultural heritage by donning Thanakha.
Thanakha, a yellowish-white cosmetic paste crafted from the ground bark of the Thanakha tree, has been an integral part of Myanmar's culture and daily life for centuries.
The event, held on Wednesday evening and co-hosted by the Myanmar Cultural Heritage Trust (MCHT) and Seinn Lann So Pyay Garden, aimed to highlight the cultural importance of Thanakha while bolstering Myanmar’s endeavors to have it recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Daw Sanda Khin, founder and chair of MCHT, emphasized the significance of community engagement in preserving cultural heritage.
When pursuing inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, community involvement is essential. It is vital to ensure that preservation initiatives resonate with the community's heartfelt desire to safeguard their traditions, she expressed.
"By presenting our intangible cultural heritage to UNESCO, we not only affirm its relevance within Myanmar but also connect it to the global stage. This recognition raises awareness of our culture worldwide, fostering international support for preservation efforts," she stated.
"Through this initiative, we ensure that traditions are transmitted to younger generations while rejuvenating interest in the Thanakha-wearing culture," she added.
"Although we incorporate Thanakha into our daily lives, we frequently overlook its cultural significance. This event transforms a mundane practice into a treasured memory, ensuring its acknowledgment and appreciation on a global platform," she noted.
With 36 participating groups representing diverse ethnic communities, students, and cultural organizations, the competition showcased the extensive and profound cultural value of Thanakha throughout Myanmar, she remarked.
May Thinn Kyi, 38, from the Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs' Association, underlined the cultural relevance of the event. "This competition unveils our heritage and illustrates how the people of Myanmar cherish and support Thanakha as part of our contribution to UNESCO efforts."
She stressed that the event transcends mere competition; it revolves around preserving Myanmar's culture. "I have been applying Thanakha since childhood. During our school days, it was a daily ritual taught to us by our mothers. Now, I occasionally apply it to my son so he can appreciate our nation's traditions," she added.
Similarly, 15-year-old contestant Kyal Sin Lwin from the Dagon Minsit Naing Martial Art Club expressed her excitement for the event, stating, "I want to highlight our cultural heritage alongside our martial arts, so I joined the competition with my ten team members."
"Thanakha is more than just a cosmetic product; it provides a cooling effect. I have been captivated by it since I was little. This event serves as an opportunity for the international community to learn about our culture," she remarked.
As the primary sponsor, Shwe Pyi Nann Co., Ltd., Myanmar's largest Thanakha company, exhibited Thanakha barks, grinding stones, and value-added products.
Kyaw Zaya, the company's manager, stressed the necessity of securing recognition for Thanakha. "We are contributing to the efforts to have Thanakha listed by UNESCO, ensuring that our cultural heritage is not claimed by other nations."
"Achieving this will allow us to retain ownership and copyright of our traditions," he clarified.
Nan Kyi Kyi Win, 50, from the Shan Literature and Culture Association, shared how Thanakha has been deeply embedded in their lifestyle. "Our group represents the Shan ethnic community, with all members being elders who have utilized Thanakha since childhood."
"We will perform a scene depicting tea-leaf picking, during which we wear Thanakha to shield our skin from the sun," she said.
Sabel Hla from the Myanmar Literature and Culture Association noted, "We will showcase the historical use of Thanakha dating back to the Bagan era. This competition is inclusive, with various ethnic groups also participating," reported Xinhua news agency.
Khine Mwe Mwe Hlaing, 50, from the Rakhine Literature and Culture Association, reaffirmed Thanakha's place as a symbol of Myanmar's cultural identity. "People of all ages and genders in Myanmar wear Thanakha from a young age."
"I am immensely proud to participate in this event as it supports our UNESCO recognition efforts," she concluded.
Myanmar's Department of Archaeology and National Museum is preparing to submit the "culture of Myanmar's Thanakha" to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by March 31, 2025, as reported by The Global New Light of Myanmar.
