Peasants Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Myanmar

Myanmar celebrates Peasants’ Day every year on March 2 in recognition of the farmers’ and peasants’ contributions to the country’s economic development. Did you know that Myanmar has been a republic for nearly 74 years? A large proportion of the population in Myanmar is comprised of farmers, and it goes without saying that agriculture and farming practises are the country’s primary source of economic growth. Peasants’ Day was created as a day to honour the skilled farmers who toil under the sun every day to provide food for the populace and advance the nation.

The background of  Peasants Day

There is evidence that early human settlements were prevalent in Myanmar as early as the Stone Age (9000 B.C. ), the Bronze Age (1500 B.C. ), and the Iron Age (500 B.C. ). Myanmar was the trade route between China and India and served as a transit point frequently. Around 200 B.C., the first cities with the name “Pyu” arose. In 700 A.D., Bagan was founded as a colony, and by 900 A.D., it had become a powerful kingdom.

By the early 1600s, the Bagan kingdom had collapsed and the Mongols had invaded. In 1786, Assam and Manipur were conquered by King Bodawpaya. It was considered the largest kingdom in the history of Myanmar. The first Anglo-Burmese war occurred in 1852, and the Burmese kingdom lost modern-day Assam and Manipur to British India. In 1886, following the Anglo-Burmese wars, Burma became a part of British India.

During World War II, the Japanese invaded Rangoon, putting an end to the British occupation. Burma became an independent nation in 1948. In 1962, there was a military coup in Burma that transferred power to General Ne Win. His rule lasted until The Union of Myanmar was established in 1989, and Myanmar (Burma) became a democratic nation.

70% of the population in Myanmar are farmers or involved in agricultural enterprises. Myanmar continues to be the largest exporter of rice in the world. In recent years, Myanmar has also grown a variety of crops, resulting in the production of a wide range of crops. Peasants’ Day was created as an expression of gratitude for the service of farmers, peasants, and their families.

List of Important Days in March 2023

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MYANMAR

Burma derives its name from the ethnic group in the region known as Bamar.

Men and women wear the ‘longyi,’ a long cloth wrapped around the lower body, for all occasions, including formal ones.

Myanmar citizens enjoy chewing betel leaves infused with nuts and spices.

Thanaka, a substance derived from tree bark, acts as a natural sunscreen when applied to the face.

Myanmar’s Thingyan is a festival where locals and tourists engage in water battles.

PEASANTS DAY DATES