Although court culture has been extinguished, popular street-level culture is vibrant and thriving. Drama is the mainstay of this culture, and just about any celebration is a good excuse for a pwe (show). Performances may recount Buddhist legends, or be more light-hearted entertainments involving slapstick comedy, dance, ensemble singing or giant puppets. Myanmar music is an integral part of a pwe; it originates from Thai and emphasises rhythm and melody. Instruments are predominantly percussive and include drums, boat-shaped harps, gongs and bamboo flutes. Over 85% of the Myanmar population is Theravada Buddhist. In the Rakhine region, towards Bangladesh, there are many Muslims.

Christian missionaries have had some success among hill tribes but many remain staunch animists.The toys of Myanmar are not only for the children but also famous in the world, known as the Marionettes (or) Puppets of Myanmar. Its a combination of Myanmar Art and Culture, together to show the inner expressions of the Myanmar people. Myanmar also have festivals all around the year, at least one in each month of the year. The most famous festival of Myanmar is the Thingyan Water Festival, which is held from 13 April to 16 April every year

Loke - Aah - Pay

Myanmar has a long history dating back several thousand years. The traditions and culture of Myanmar as well as the philosophy of life of it's people, the majority of who are Buddhists, has been shaped profoundly by Buddhism. Hence, Myanmar, regardless of their race or ethnic origin, are peace-loving, friendly, generous and hospitable. They also have an innate sense of duty to family, community and country.

In Myanmar, there is a tradition, particularly in the rural areas, of people collectively helping with each other's work and participating in communal activities. People in the village, for example, will collectively help each other in such activities as cultivating and harvesting paddy and other crops, repairing bunds of paddy fields, digging wells, repairing roofs of houses etc.. This age old tradition is called "Let-Sar-Like". It can be translated roughly as " Lending a Hand ".

Also, Myanmar Buddhists believe that contributing voluntary labour for such activities as construction of roads and bridges, building of pagodas, monasteries, schools, hospitals etc. which are for common good, will gain them merit, both for this existence and for the next. Such voluntary contribution of labour is referred to as " Loke-Aah-Pay ".

Thus in many road and bridge building projects undertaken by public works or regional bodies, there in no dearth of "Loke-Aha-Pays " from the towns and villages through which the roads pass, and which stand to benefit from such roads. Even in the urban areas,"Loke-Aah-pay"activities, on an occasional weekend or public holiday for cleaning up the neighbourhood, repairing road, planting trees, clearing clogged drains etc., are undertaken by volunteers from the house-holds of the respective wards or streets.

"Loke-Aah-Pay" for any purpose, of large groups of people, whether in the villages or in the town, is quite often carried out to the accompaniment of music and dance by small music troups, made up of youthful members of the community. Such music troups, called " Dohbat Waing " comprise basically of Ozi (Drum), Cymbals, Flute and Bamboo Clappers. There is usually a male solo dancer (some times accompanied by a female dancer as well) who performs dances to the lively music and songs of the music troup. It is not only to entertain those who are contributing voluntary labour, but also to announce to all and sundry that " Loke-Aah-Pay "is in progress. The "Loke-Aah-Pays " usually work from early morning for some hours. After work, all of them may join in for a feast of glutinous rice, grilled dried fish and plain tea provided by the community.

The traditional practices of "Let-Sar-Like " and "Loke-Aah-Pays " not only contribute to community development but also to bringing closer, members of the community and thus help to foster solidarity in the building of peaceful and developed nation.

Dos And Donts

Typical Character

• Friendly, helpful, honest, but proud.
• Treat everyone with respect and you will be respected.

Speaking

• When addressing people, don't leave out U (which stands for Mr) or Daw (which stands for Ms/Mrs).
• Speak slowly and clearly.

Manners

• Not always necessary to shake hands.
• Don't hug or kiss in public.
• Don't touch any adult on the head.
• Don't step over any part of a person, as it is considered rude.
• Accept or give things with your right hand.
• In Myanmar, unlike the Indian continent, nodding means YES, and shaking head means NO.

Eating

• For hygiene reasons, eat only in decent restaurants. When not available, always eat heated food.
• Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Don't drink tap water.
• Drink only bottled water and soft drinks that haven't been opened yet.
• Let the oldest be served first.
• Chinese food is common and suggested.
• Myanmar food are often complained as 'oily'.
• To try good Myanmar food, go to decent restaurants in Yangon area, where they cook Myanmar food according to international standards.

Shopping

• When buying gems, sculptures, or any expensive souvenir, make sure it comes with an export permit.
• Buy arts from authorized dealers only and get a certified receipt.

Safety

• Don't leave expensive items in your room. Use safe deposit box.
• Beware of cheats, swindlers, imposters.

Health

• Stay away from narcotic drugs.
• Carry some medicines for diarrhea.
• If sick, don't worry. All doctors are English literate.
• Health insurance is not available.

Traveling

• Accept that facilities may not be the best.
• On trains, keep windows shut.
• Speed or distance descriptions are in miles, not kilometers.
• Carry toilet paper in your bag.

Visiting

• Most Myanmar do not wear shoes in their homes. Take off when visiting.

Moving About

• Don't jay walk. Watch where you walk and what you step on.
• If driving, city speed limit is 30 mph. Drive on the right side.

Religion

• At religious places, remove footwear, but to remove headwear is not necessary.
• Avoid shouting or laughing.
• Avoid being a nuisance when taking photographs.
• Treat Buddha images with respect.
• Tuck away your feet. Don't point it toward the pagoda or a monk.
• Don't play loud music in these areas. Note that Buddhist monks are not allowed to listen to music.
• Do not put Buddha statues or images on the floor or somewhere inappropriate.
• Don't touch sacred objects with disrespect.
• Hold them in your right-hand, or with both hands.
• Leave a donation when possible.
• Show respect to monks, nuns, and novices (even if they are children).
• Don't offer your hand to shake hands with a monk.
• Sit lower than a monk and elders.
• Don't offer food to a monk, nun, or a novice after noon time.
• A woman should not touch a monk.