National Day of Myanmar (7 December): 100th Myanmar National Day 2023

Myanmar National Day is a public holiday which is observed to commemorate the commencement of the protest by students against the British rule in 1920. In 1920, students protested against British rule that drove to independence and celebrated as the Myanmar National Day.

About Myanmar National Day

The British captured Myanmar (Burma) in 1886. After years of their colonial ruling, a group of students first called strike against their rule at Rangoon (now called Yangon) University in 1920. That day was the 10th day after the first full moon of the month Tazaungmon according to the Burmese Lunar calendar and now celebrated as the Myanmar National Day.

Myanmar National Day Date

Myanmar National Day date is on 7 December this year. Myanmar National Day date changes every year as it is not as per the solar calendar. It is more convenient to say the Myanmar National Day is the 10th day following the first full moon of Tazaungmon as per the Burmese calendar.

Myanmar National Day Activities

Here are some Myanmar National Day activities to mention.

• Though it is a public holiday in Myanmar, it is not vastly celebrated as an occasion.
• This day is more important for protesters who still think that ruling military govt is acting like the previous British colonial system.
• Discussions, protests are commonly arranged activities on this day.

How People Celebrate Myanmar National Day?

As it is said, it is not an occasion for public happiness. It is more of a political occasion who are aware of what they have gone through to come to date. Politically aware people, students, monks arrange rally or protests on this day.

It is often uttered from the protests that the current military power should be changed. As recently free elections have been scheduled in Myanmar, it is expected that the current situation will change. There is also a tone of revolts that is common on this day.

Myanmar National Day Facts

• This year, Myanmar National Day is on 7 December.
• It is not the same day every year. It changes according to the lunar calendar and falls on the 10th day after the first full moon of Tazaungmon, the 8th month of the lunar calendar.
• Students started protesting against the then British rule on this date in 1920.
• It is not the Independence Day of Myanmar. Independence Day is observed on 4 January every year.
• Significance: Myanmar National Day commemorates the day when the country gained independence from British colonial rule on January 4, 1948. It marks the beginning of Myanmar as an independent nation.

• Historical Background: Myanmar was under British colonial rule for over 60 years, starting from the annexation of Lower Burma in 1824. The country’s struggle for independence was led by General Aung San and the Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPFL).
• Independence Hero: General Aung San, regarded as the father of modern Myanmar, played a pivotal role in the independence movement. He negotiated with the British and signed the Panglong Agreement in 1947, which paved the way for independence.
• Panglong Agreement: The Panglong Agreement was a historic accord signed on February 12, 1947, between General Aung San and ethnic leaders from various regions of Myanmar. It pledged unity, equality, and autonomy for ethnic groups within an independent Myanmar.
• National Day Celebrations: Myanmar National Day is celebrated with various events and activities throughout the country. These include parades, cultural performances, flag-raising ceremonies, and speeches by government officials.
• National Symbolism: The national flag of Myanmar, featuring horizontal stripes of yellow, green, and red, is prominently displayed during National Day celebrations. The flag represents solidarity among different ethnic groups and symbolizes courage, peace, and prosperity.
• Historical Sites: On Myanmar National Day, many people visit historical landmarks and significant sites associated with the struggle for independence. This includes the Aung San Museum in Yangon, which showcases memorabilia related to General Aung San and Myanmar’s independence movement.
• National Unity: Myanmar National Day is an occasion to promote national unity and celebrate the diversity of the country’s ethnic groups. It serves as a reminder of the shared history and aspirations of the people of Myanmar.
• Reflection and Remembrance: National Day also provides an opportunity for reflection on the progress made since independence and remembering the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom.

• Public Holiday: Myanmar National Day is a public holiday in Myanmar, allowing citizens to participate in celebrations, spend time with family, and engage in various cultural and community activities.

These facts highlight the historical significance and cultural importance of Myanmar National Day, a day that holds great meaning for the people of Myanmar.

100th Myanmar National Day 2023 Picture

Just before a century of the students’ protest, it is the high time for Myanmar to raise their voice to have a stable, free, and fair govt, for what they have fought. Cordial wishes for the Burmese people across the world on this Myanmar National Day.

Myanmar National Day Wishes