Construction of a Thingyan pavilion has begun in front of Yangon City Hall in preparation for the 2026 Myanmar Traditional Maha Thingyan Festival, according to reports.

A nearby resident said construction started recently and is still in its early stage.

“Construction began yesterday. It has only just started. Since it is being built in front of City Hall at this time, it is clearly for the Thingyan festival pavilion,” the resident said.

The resident also welcomed the return of the festival this year, noting that the Thingyan celebrations were suspended in 2025 following a powerful earthquake.

“As everyone knows, Thingyan was not held last year because of the earthquake. Even the pavilions that had already been built were dismantled. I’m happy that the festival will be held again this year. If it is not celebrated for a long time, people might forget that Thingyan is a traditional festival of Myanmar. I welcome its return. For young people, enjoying traditional festivities is important, but I hope they celebrate responsibly,” the resident added.

On March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake centered near Mandalay and Sagaing caused widespread destruction, damaging many homes and claiming the lives of more than 3,000 people.

Due to the tragic disaster, the 2025 Maha Thingyan Festival was canceled. The mayor’s pavilion in front of Yangon City Hall, which had been nearly completed, was dismantled, and only small neighborhood celebrations allowed children to enjoy limited festivities.

Preparations are now underway in Yangon for the return of the traditional Maha Thingyan Festival in 2026.