Rangoon (Mizzima) – Attendance at the Water Festival in Rangoon was lower last week, but road accidents claimed seven lives compared to five last year, a spokesperson for the Rangoon Region Vehicle Disciplinary and Supervising Committee said on Monday.
This year, 30 vehicle accidents were recorded compared to 20 accidents last year.
The overall festival turnout was lower this year, according to observers. The authorities ordered an increas in security at the festival, requiring large pavilions to buy bomb-detection machines while also ordering the public to refrain from songs or performances which threatened ‘the dignity’ of individuals or public institutions.
This year big pavilions were only built on Kabaaye Pagoda Road and Kandawgyi Circular Road. The number of pavilions overall was about half the number at last year’s water festival. Built by wealthy patrons or sponsors, pavilions serve as entertainment centers for festival goers celebrating the start of the new calendar year.
During the four-day festival, which ended on Sunday, six accidents were reported on Thursday; 10 on Friday, four on Saturday; and 12 on Sunday.
