New Delhi (Mizzima) – A dress code for singers to perform in the ensuing Burmese traditional water festival called 'Thingyan', prohibiting them from wearing dress alien to Burmese culture has been issued by the Music Association.
The 'Music Association' has banned wearing international flags, dresses with political symbols and dress not in keeping with the tradition and culture of the country. They have also been prohibited from performing songs which might hurt or are felt to be insinuations for others on stage.
"We have banned wearing decadent dresses, unsuitable for stage performances. We have also prohibited singing songs which may be felt to be insinuating and construed as sly digs at others," Joint-Secretary (2) of the Music Association and song writer 'Maung Thit Min' told Mizzima.
The 'Thingyan' (New Year) mundap (pandal) in-charge had to sign a bond complying with these regulations when they asked for permission from the authorities to build the mandaps.
They have been told to pass on the regulations to the singers who are to perform on stage.
There is no clear interpretation and definition of a 'political symbol' printed on the dress, Saya Maung Thit Min said.
"There is no exact definition of a 'political symbol'. But for instance, we have banned wearing flags of foreign countries as they are considered decadent to our festival," he said.
Local journalists said that though the singers were not seen wearing dresses with political symbols during the last festival, there were some youths at the festival wearing shirts bearing a 'NO' and with a cross sign.
Most of the youths wore these shirts as a sign of protest and opposition to the junta's constitutional referendum held in May 2008.
The Music Association will take myriad actions against the singers who do not abide by these regulations. The punitive measures range from banning their performance to production of their albums depending on the severity of what they do.
"There will not be significant action against those who fail to abide by the regulations. The local Divisional Councils will ban singing for a stipulated period in terms of months, ban on-stage performance among others depending on the seriousness of their activity," Maung Thit Min said.
Nadi Linn, living in Bangkok, criticized the regulations imposed on the singers saying "There is sweeping generalization in this regulation. According to this regulation, the revelers must wear traditional dress in Pinny Taikpone (cotton overcoat) and Taungshe (long longyi). Even so, it is not our real tradition yet. Taikpone is derived from a Chinese dress. I think they are imposing these regulations to prevent the people from wearing dresses with any symbol of opposition to the 2010 general election".
A youth in Rangoon said, "I don't like this regulation. This is restricting our traditional Thingyan festival by imposing restrictions on dress. Thingyan is our traditional New Year festival. Everyone should enjoy this festival with freedom".
