AT PRESENT, the most prominent seasonal festival is the Htamanè festival. Traditional Myanmar Htamanè is a sweet and fragrant food made by Myanmar people using glutinous rice. Because the cooked glutinous rice is repeatedly stirred and kneaded – similar to the process of making glue or paste – it is called Htamanè. As it is prepared with generous amounts of glutinous rice, coconut, peanuts, ginger, sesame oil, and sesame seeds, it is also known as hnanè-hmanè (sesame Htamanè).
The purpose of making Htamanè during that month is that, since it is prepared from glutinous rice, the natural sticky quality of the rice, combined with the vigorous stirring required, causes heat to build up through perspiration, dispelling coldness and making it well suited to the climate of that month. During the same month, Htamanè making competitions are held in various locations by government departments and residents of wards, and villages alike, with participants wearing matching uniforms.
The judges do not evaluate the entries solely on taste; they also emphasize the team’s unity, morale, organization, cleanliness, and cooperation. In this way, Htamanè is a food that highlights solidarity and harmony. Moreover, with its rich and pleasant flavour, it is a traditional Myanmar delicacy that is especially enjoyable to eat.
The traditional Myanmar Htamanè festival is a symbol of unity, and elders have long said that the good taste of the Htamanè produced is itself a sign of the success of that unity. The preparation of Htamanè is not done merely for simple enjoyment. It embodies unity, cooperation, leadership, obedience to guidance according to seniority, mutual consideration, and collective encouragement.
In Htamanè making of events, one can observe the admirable and cherished customs of Myanmar society. From such dedicated and collective effort, delicious Htamanè is produced. During the month of Tabodwe, preparing traditional Myanmar Htamanè with care and devotion and offering it to members of the Sangha, as well as sharing it with the public as an act of communal charity (Satuditha), has been a heart-warming tradition passed down continuously from ancient Myanmar times to the present day.
During the Htamanè preparation, strong and energetic men stir vigorously, sweating as they work together in unity and joy. In doing so, they combine mutual affection with the cool seasonal weather, making the activity beneficial for their health. If one wishes to experience and appreciate the delicious taste and meaningful significance of Htamanè, friends and visitors from around the world can come to Myanmar to observe, participate, and enjoy this tradition firsthand.
