Category: Calendar

Oct 2017
by Hla Min

Update : July 2025

69ers

The Class of 69 (mostly M69) paid respect to Sayagyi U Ba Than on October 1, 2017.

U Aung Min was the organizer.

U Ba Than

The group attended the birthday celebration ceremony and received blessing from sayargyi. The group handed over garawa birthday gifts that they had collected before and on the monthly breakfast gathering held earlier that day.

Sayagyi U Ba Than

Sayagyi usually performs dana with the Garawa money he received for his birthday and for attending the SPZPs and mini-SPZPs.

Sayagyi has supported various charitable associations for the needy, the sick, the blind, the deaf and dumb, old people and “Nar Ye” . They include
- Little Sisters for the Poor
- U Hla Tun Foundation
- Jivitadana ဇီဝိတဒါန
- Hnin Si Gone Bo Bwa Yeik Tha နှင်းဆီကုန်းဘိုးဘွားရိပ်သာ
- Mary Chapman
- Kyaw Thu Nar Ye (နာရေး အဖွဲ့)
- Medical Clinics
On his Birthday every year, Sayagyi offers “soon kwyay” ဆွမ်းကျွေး at Yaw Sayadaw’s monastery.

The Soon kwyay held on October 2, 2017 was attended by sayas, alumni, relatives and friends.

Updates
- During the pandemic, physical gatherings were put on hold. Celebrations were done virtually, e.g via Zoom
- U Tin Htoon compiled a Photo Album for Sayagyi’s 90th birthday in 2020.
U Ba Than
- Sayagyi passed away peacefully after his 94th birthday.
Posts
- B (Names)
- Dana
- Engineering Library
- Garawa
- HMEE
- Mechanical Engineering
July 16, 2025
Month — October
by Hla Min

Update : July 2025

Background
- 8th month of the old Roman calendar. Oct means Eight.
- 10th month of the Gregorian calendar.
- It has 31 days.
October 1

Dr. Aung Gyi
- Dr. Aung Gyi’s birthday
U Myo Myint Sein
- U Myo Myint Sein’s birthday
October 2

U Ba Than
- U Ba Than’s birthday. Says offered soon dana for his birthday on or around October 2 at Yaw Sayadaw’s Kyaung. Sayas, former students and friends were invited to the soon kway. 69ers usually offered Garawa at Sayagyi’s place on or around his birthday.
- Mini-gathering put on hold due to pandemic in 2020 & 2021. Zoom meetings were held on sayas’s birthday.
- In 2020, Saya received 90th Birthday Present. Photo Album Book was compiled by U Tin Htoon and U Htaik San (Henry Kao). DHL Delivery was paid by Saya U Tin Htut
- In 2021, Saya received a Photo Card present by U Tin Htoon
October 5
- International Teachers’ Day
- Celebrated annually since October 5, 1994
- Some countries have local Teachers’ Day
Halloween
- October 31 (i.e. the day before “All Saint’s Day” which falls on November 1).
- Celebrated with “Trick or Treat” by the children and optional “Halloween Costume Party” by young and old adults.
End of Buddhist Lent
- Full Moon Day of Thadinkyut usually falls in October.
- Phaung daw-u festival (in Inle Lake) is held on the Full Moon Day of Thadinkyut.
Deepavali / Diwali
- Celebrated by the Hindus around October.
- Known as the “Festival of Lights”.
October Revolution
- Due to differences in Julian & Gregorian calendars, the Bolshevik Revolution is wrongly referred to as the “October Revolution”.
Festivals
- Ocktoberfest is a festival held in October.
- The Annual Pumpkin Festival with the bragging rights to the “heaviest” Pumpkin is held along Highway 92 in Half Moon Bay in Northern California. The traffic is really bad in the area for most of October. The 7-mile strip takes an hour or more during the Festival period.
October 2000
- The First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) was held in October 2000.
- I wrote 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post Reunion” (news & articles) for SPZP-2000 in my Newsletter and the ex-rit.org website.
- I wrote a poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE”. It was published in the Commemorative Issue of “RIT Alumni Newsletter”.
Newsletter

October 2021
- In October 2021, Covid-19 vaccines were offered. Many had at least one dose. Some had two or three doses (including Booster). However, there were mutations & variations of Covid spreading around the globe.
Phaungdaw-u
- Working People’s Daily (WPD) used to publish Supplements.
- I wrote “Phaungdaw-u Festival” poem for the Thadinkyut Supplement.
Phaung Daw-u Festival
(Poem by Hla Min)

Phaung Daw-u, oh Burma’s grandeur
Can truly make our hearts sublime
Its mystic charm and rhyme-less splendor
Have firmly stood the test of time

It lies deep in the heart of people
It gives them courage and inspiration
No wonder this festival has no equal
It promises joy and veneration

On board the r so scintillating
Stood the four images of Lord Buddha
For the Noble Truth are we vindicating?
What lies deep under the completed tour?

But one statue was left behind
Because in writings we do find
That should it ever leave the shrine
There will be thunder and storm
Thus a happy reunion on the morn of the full moon of Thadinkyut

From floating islands the leg rowers came
To take part in the race
With their muscular frame, with might and main
Their oars flashing at a rapid pace

Festivities last all night long
Dances to the company of ozi and gong
Oh, prayers that fill the cool evening air
May loving kindness prevail everywhere

Posts
- Birthdays
- Calendar
- Events
- Months
- SPZP
July 10, 2025
Highlights (1961 – 65)
by Hla Min

Update : July 2025

1961

Female Engineers
- Mi Mi Lay (Tex)
- Julie Han (Tex)
- Yin Yin Kyi (Tex)
- Pauline Reynolds (ChE)
- Tin Tin Ohn / Amy (Tex)
Burma Institute of Technology

U Yone Mo

U Sein Hla

In the 1961 – 62 Academic Year, the Faculty of Engineering of Rangoon University moved to the Gyogone Campus.

It was named Burma Institute of Technology (BIT).

Sayas & Sayamas

U Yone Mo served as Dean.

U Sein Hla served as Registrar.

Newly minted sayas & sayamas include U Aung Soe (C), U Maung Maung Win (M), Daw Tin Tin Ohn (T) & Daw Julie Han

Matriculation & HSF

In 1961, the last Matric & High School Final exam took place. Those who pass the exam could attend the University.

In 1962, there were separate exams for Matric & HSF. Those who pass HSF had to take the Matric exam in order to attend the University.

2nd SEAP Games

RU athletes in 2nd SEAP Games
- In December 1961, Burma hosted the 2nd South East Asian Peninsular Games.
- Burma placed First (according to the Tally of Medals) in the Games. Burma was dominant in Track & Field, Swimming & Diving (to name a few).
- About 20 students Rangoon University represented Burma in the Games. Several won Gold Medals : Tun Mra (4 x 100 meters relay), Soe Mra (Pole Vault), Kyaw Han (Volleyball), Richard Yu Khin (Yachting).
- Ko Richard (GBNF) provided the group photo. He also wrote about the swimming training with Ko Tin Maung Ni under a Japanese coach.
- Met Ko Tun Mra, Ko Khin Maung Latt & Ko Tin Myint (GBNF) at the RUBC/YUBC Annual Regatta in December 2019. Ko Tun Mra mentioned that he, Ko Kyaw Mra (GBNF), Ko Soe Mra & Ko Tun Naung represented Burma in the first SEAP Games held in Bangkok in 1959.
1962

Coup d’etat
- On March 2, 1962, a 17-member Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat. Sao Shwe Thaik’s son was killed.
- Mahn Win Maung (President), U Nu (Prime Minister), U Myint Thein (Chief Justice), several high ranking officers & Sawbwas were imprisoned.
- U Myint Thein was among the first to be detained and the last to be released. He was given only a part day off to attend the last journey of his spouse Daw Phwa Hmi (pioneer Burmese female barrister).
- Sama Duwa Sinwa Naung had been selected to succeed Mahn Win Maung as the President, but the Coup ended the democratic parliamentary system.
Sama Duwa Sin Wa Naung

HSF Exam
- The HSF exam results for Rangoon Division was annulled claiming a leakage of exam questions.
- The students had to retake the HSF exam in August, 1962.
Dark Days in July
- There were two Dark Days.
- Student protesters faced indiscriminate shooting on July 7, 1962. The newspapers & Myanmar Ah Than said that there were 17 victims.
- Ko Aung Khin who was killed by a stray bullet on his way back from RUBC to his home in Windermere Road was listed as the 17th casualty.
- On July 8, 1962, the revered RU Student Union Building was demolished.
1963

Matric Exam

SPHS63 Scholarship Winners
- Most exams were held in March. However, the Matric exam in 1963 was held in May.
- St. Paul’s High School had five students in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.
Anniversary of 7th July
- In July 1963, the first Anniversary of 7th July 1962 was celebrated with posters, pamphlets & magazines.
- Some time later, the higher authorities announced the closure of most schools except the Faculty of Medicine & the Faculty of Engineering.
Rangoon University Boat Club

Dinner to celebrate the RUBC 40th Anniversary
- Annual Regatta was canceled citing security reasons.
- Sithu U Tin (President) decided not to cancel the Dinner commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of RUBC by Sit Arthur Eggar (Law Professor).
1964

Scholarship for USSR & East Bloc
- Soviet Union and East Bloc nations offered scholarships for undergraduates & graduates.
- Some classmates (who were concerned about how long the schools will close) applied & were accepted.
- Maung Maung Kyi studied Chemical Engineering (specializing in Pulp & Paper) at Dresden University, GDR.
New Education System

Shwe YaDu
- Enacted in November 1964
- The reorganization saw former Faculties as independent Institutes with their own Rector and Registrar. The remaining faculties of Rangoon University became Rangoon Arts & Science University (RASU).
- Under the new Education system, BIT became Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT). It had autonomy. U Yone Mo served as Rector. U Soe Thein (former student leader) served as Registrar.
- Matriculates were admitted to the fresher classes at the Universities & Institutes using Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA).
- The marks for each subject were converted to an ILA score (1 – 20). Those who have a balanced score can have a higher ILA than someone who has high marks in most subjects but a low score in one subject.
- There were name changes to the degrees offered, e.g B.E instead of B.Sc.(Engg)
- Majors were introduced.
- LL.B was offered.
Luyechun
- The program was initiated in the Summer of 1964.
- Outstanding students from middle school and high school was chosen as Luyechun. They were sent to the Ngapali Luyechun Camp.
- Oke Soe Kha (MEHS), Win Aung (TTC) and Ma Pwint Than (Loikaw) were some High School Luyechuns.
1965

Nationalization
- On April 1, 1965 private schools were nationalized.
- St. Paul’s High School (SPHS) became No. 6 Botathaung State High School.
- Methodist English High School (MEHS) became No. 1 Dagon State High School.
Luyechun Camps

Inlay Luyechun
- The Luyechun program was extended to students of Universities & Institutes in the summer of 1965.
- I was selected as RIT Luyechun along with Ko Sein Shwe, Ma Khin Than Myint Tin, and Ko Zaw Min. We were sent to the newly opened Inlay Khaung Daing Camp was added.
- The Rangoon Combined Camp was the meeting point for those from Ngapali Camp and Inlay Camp.
Updates
- There were more changes in the Education System.
- Some were name changes : RIT to YIT & YTU
- There were more closures to Schools.
- There were more Coup d’etat — in 1988 & 2021
- Burma hosted 5th SEAP Games in 1969.
- The Luyechun Program ended in 1988.
Posts
- Calendar
- Education Systems
- Exams
- Luyechun
- Memories of a 69er
- Rangoon University
- SEAP Games
July 7, 2025
July
by Hla Min

Update : July 2025

Background
- Fifth month in the old Roman Calendar, and it had 30 days. The month was given an extra day and renamed in honor of Julius Caesar.
- Seventh month in the Gregorian Calendar.
My father’s birthday

My beloved father

My parents
- Born on 1st July.
- Passed away in his 80s.
Men on the Moon
- Apollo 11 Mission
- Eagle (Lunar Module) landed in Tranquility Bay on the Moon on July 20, 1969.
- Neil Armstrong (Mission Commander) was the first to land on the moon.
- Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin (Lunar Module Pilot) was the second to land on the moon.
- Michael Collins (Command Module Pilot) circled the Moon and waited for his crew mates to return from the Moon.
- I wrote a poem “Men on the Moon”. A copy was sent by Mr. Hall (Information Officer, USIA) to NASA. The poem was published in the Guardian.
Men on the Moon

US Independence
- 4th of July
Martyrs’ Day
- July 19, 1947
- Bogyoke Aung San, six ministers, a Secretary and a bodyguard were assassinated.
Translation of Invictus

Aung San

Nine Arzanis were gunned down on July 19, 1947. Eight perished that day. One succumbed a day later.

Arzanis
- Bogyoke Aung San passed away at the tender age of 32
  Children : U Aung San Oo, Aung San Lin (GBNF), Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
- Thakin Mya. : Considered as Deputy Prime Minister
- Deedoke U Ba Cho : Minister, Journalist ; Grand children : Dr. Khin Hla Cho, Daw Khin Myint Cho
- Mahn Ba Khaing : Transported Bogyoke (saved & brought by Marie Hla Taw) back; Daughter : Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing
- Mong Pawn Sawbwa Sao San Htun : passed away in the hospital on July 20, 1947; has a hospital named after him; Son Sao Hso Holm
- U Ba Win : Bogyoke’s elder brother; Son Dr. Sein Win
- U Razak : Nominated by monks; Former Principal of National School; Sons U Tin Myint & U Hla Kyi
- ICS U Ohn Maung : Dy. Secy; Was asked to report on behalf of his minister; Sons U Tin Maung Thein, Francis & Dr. Min Min
- Yebaw Maung Htwe : U Razak’s bodyguard
There are books (e.g. “Who killed Aung San?”, Eliminate the Elite” by Kin Oung) and documentaries (e.g. “Who really killed Aung San?” by BBC program) about the fateful event.

Eliminate the Elite

Dark days in July 1962
- According to the newspapers, 17 died on July 7, 1962.
- Ko Aung Khin was stuck by a stray bullet as he was returning from RUBC to his home in Windermere Road. He was listed as the 17th victim.
- Anniversary celebration of 7th July in 1963 ended with the closure of Universities with the exception of the Faculties of Medical and Engineering.
- The revered Student Union was demolished on July 8, 1962.
Posts
- Calendar
- Days & Months
- Events
July 7, 2025
July
by Hla Min

Updated : July 2025

Background
- Fifth month in the old Roman Calendar; Had 30 days. The month was given an extra day and renamed in honor of Julius Caesar.
- Seventh month in the Gregorian Calendar; Has 31 days
My father’s birthday

My beloved father

My parents
- Born on 1st July
- Passed away in his 80s
- See posts : “Phay Phay” & “Let Oo Saya”
Men on the Moon

Book
- Apollo 11 Mission
- Eagle (Lunar Module) landed in Tranquility Bay on the Moon on July 20, 1969
- Neil Armstrong (Mission Commander) was the first to land on the moon
- Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin (Lunar Module Pilot) was the second to land on the moon
- Michael Collins (Command Module Pilot) circled the Moon and waited for his crew mates to return from the Moon
- I wrote a poem “Men on the Moon”. A copy was sent by Mr. Hall (Information Officer, USIA) to NASA. The poem was published in the Guardian.
Poem

US Independence
- 4th of July
Martyrs’ Day
- July 19, 1947
- Bogyoke Aung San, six ministers, a Secretary and a bodyguard were assassinated
Translation of Invictus

Aung San
- Nine Arzanis were gunned down on July 19, 1947.
- Eight perished that day.
- Sao San Htun passed away at the hospital a day later.
Arzanis
- Bogyoke Aung San — passed away at the tender age of 32
  Children : U Aung San Oo, Aung San Lin (GBNF), Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
- Thakin Mya — Considered as Deputy Prime Minister
- Deedoke U Ba Cho — Grand children : Dr. Khin Hla Cho, Daw Khin Myint Cho
- Mahn Ba Khaing — Daughter : Daw Myint Myint Khaing
- Mong Pawn Sawbwa Sao San Htun — passed away in the hospital on July 20, 1947; Son : Sao Hso Holm
- U Ba Win — Bogyoke’s elder brother; Son : Dr. Sein Win
- U Razak — Sons : U Tin Myint, U Hla Kyi
- ICS U Ohn Maung — Sons: U Tin Maung Thein, Francis, Dr, Min Min
- Yebaw Maung Htwe
There are books (e.g. “Who killed Aung San?” and “Eliminate the Elite” by Kin Oung) and documentaries (e.g. “Who really killed Aung San?” by BBC program) about the fateful event.

Dark days in July 1962
- According to the newspapers, 17 died on July 7, 1962.
- Ko Aung Khin was stuck by a stray bullet as he was returning from RUBC to his home in Windermere Road. He was listed as the 17th victim.
- The celebration of the 7th July in 1963 ended with the closure of Universities with the exception of the Faculties of Medical & Engineering.
- The revered Student Union was demolished on July 8, 1962.
Posts
- 1960s
- Calendar
- Dark Moments
- Holidays
- Months
July 1, 2025
December
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Background
- 10th month of the old Calendar. Dec means Ten.
- 12th and last month of the Gregorian Calendar
- Has 31 days
- December 31st is celebrated as New Year’s Eve
Events

Dec 1, 1920
- Rangoon University was established with Rangoon College & Judson College as affiliates.
- Golden Jubilee in 1970; Diamond Jubilee in 1995; Centennial in 2020.
Dec 5, 1920
- First RU Students’ Strike to protest the 1920 RU Act.
- The anniversaries use the Burmese Calendar.
Dec 1974

U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khinn
- Dark moment in the history of Burma
U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin

Apollo 8
- Orbited the Moon in December 1968
- Astronauts : Frank Borman, James Lovell, Bill Anders
December 25
- Christmas Eve on Dec 24
- Christmas on Dec 25
December 26
- Saya U Ba Toke was born in 1920. He passed away on Dec 2, 2020 a few days before his Centennial birthday
December 31
- New Year’s Eve
SEAP Games
- Burma hosted the 2nd SEAP Games in December, 1961
2nd SEAP Games
- Burma hosted the 5th SEAP Games in December, 1969
5th SEAP Games

Poem

Birthdays

Several birthdays in December among my relatives & friends. They include
- Beloved spouse : Dec 30
- Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt : Dec 30
- Saya Allen Htay (GBNF) : Dec 31
- Elder sister
- Cousin
- Uncle (GBNF)
- Classmates : Maung Maung Kyi (Wales, GBNF) and Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, GBNF).
U Tin Maung Nyunt

U Tin Maung Nyunt
- Saya usually celebrates his birthday performing meritorious deeds.
- Before his current medical condition, he observed Eight Precepts.
- Practices Vipassana Meditation
- He is a day older than Saya Allen Htay.
My Beloved Spouse

My spouse (in her younger days)
- Supported my volunteer activities for nearly five decades.
- I completed 26 years as Founder & Editor of “RIT Alumni Newsletter Updates”.
2015 in Los Angeles
- We attended several RIT gatherings : SPZP-2000, SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016 & 69er Golden Jubilee in Yangon; RIT & UCC Gatherings in Australia & Singapore; and many gatherings in the USA.
SPZP-2016
- Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles held at the Knott Berry Farms, and a special gathering at iNapa Winery.
iNapa Winery
- She is a Caring Spouse, a Dutiful Mother & a Loving Grandmother. She asked me to take care of my health and minimize use of phone & computer.
Myee
- She loves to sing and dance at the gatherings. I am an amateur musician who plays instruments (piano, key board, guitar, harmonica) by ear.
NorCal RITAA

Here’s my birthday wish:

May you be blessed with Good Health, Abundant Wealth, Unbounded Love, Peace, Calm, Tranquility … for many more years to come.

June 1973

Events in December

Saya U Ba Toke
- December 1, 1920 : Under the RU Act of 1920, Rangoon University was established with Rangoon College & Judson College as constituent colleges.
- RU Golden Jubilee in 1970 : I was member of the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Htar Yay” committee
- RU Diamond Jubilee in 1995 : BARB produced documentary for “Rangoon University Sports”
- RU Centennial in 2020 :
  I was Moderator of the RU Centennial Facebook group
- December 26, 1920 : Saya U Ba Toke’s birthday. His life story is published in the book by Tekkatho Maung Thin Char (Dr. Khin Maung Swe, GBNF).
  Saya passed away on December 2, 2020 a few days before his Centennial Birthday
- December 5, 1920 : First RU Students’ Strike — Caused amendments to the RU Act.
  Led to the establishment of Amyothar Kyaung (National School) & Amyothat Kawleik (College). Amyothar Aung Bwe Nay (National Day) is celebrated using the Burmese date
- December 1961 : Second SEAP Games — Hosted in Rangoon;
  Burma dominated in Track & Field, Swimming & Volleyball. About 20 athletes from RU represented Burma in the Games (See photo by Dr. Richard Yu Khin)
RU students who represented Burma in the 2nd SEAP Games in 1961
- Dec 1969 : Fifth SEAP Games in Rangoon
Opening ceremony for 5th SEAP Games in 1969
June 27, 2025
Talk — February
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Video Broadcast on February 1, 2021

Background
- 2nd month of Gregorian Calendar
- Shortest month
- 28 days in a Common Year and 29 days in a Leap Year
Dark Moment in 2021
- Many high ranking Government officials were detained by the military in the wee hours of February 1, 2021.
Union Day in Myanmar
- Pyidaungsu Nay (Union Day) is a public holiday in the Union of Burma.
- Commemorates the signing of the Pinlong Sar Choke (Panglong Agreement) on February 12, 1947.
- Wrote a poem “Our Unity” with the pen name Maung Hlaing Phyo for publication in Working People’s Daily (WPD).
Bogyoke Aung San’s Birthday
- Bogyoke was born on February 13, 1915
- Zartar name was Htain Lin.
- Formal name is Aung San, rhymes with Aung Than (his elder brother). Arzani U Ba Win is their eldest brother.
- Centennial celebrations for Bogyoke were held in 2015.
Children’s Day in Myanmar
- February 13 is also as Khalay Myar Nay (Children’s Day).
Tabodwe Festival

Full Moon of Tabodwe often falls in February. Two celebrations are held.
- Htamane Pwe (Sticky Rice Festival)
- Ovada Partimauk Day (Exhortation)
Events in USA

February 14
- Valentine’s Day (Chit Thu Myar Nay) is not a public holiday
- Many people send greeting cards and presents.
Presidents’ Day
- In the early days, there were two holidays. One to celebrate George Washington‘s birthday. Another to celebrate Abraham Lincoln‘s birthday.
- Later a single holiday in February to honor all US Presidents was proposed.
- Some states continue to celebrate the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln.
Events in Canada
- “Family Day” (holiday) is observed on the 2nd Monday of February in Ontario.
- Family Day is observed on the 3rd Monday of February in British Columbia.
Lunar New Year
- Some countries (e.g China and Vietnam) observe the Lunar Year.
- Lunar Calendar is based on the Chinese Zodiac consisting of Twelve signs starting with the Rat and ending with the Pig.
- Lunar New Year occurs at the end of January or the beginning of February (e.g. in 2021). The date is not fixed in the Gregorian Calendar.
@hmin3664

YouTube channel for my videos
June 27, 2025
Month — February
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Background
- 2nd month of Gregorian Calendar
- Shortest month. It has 28 days in a Common Year and 29 days in a Leap Year.
Burma/Myanmar

February 12
- Pyidaungsu Nay (ပြည်ထောင်စုနေ့ Union Day) is a public holiday in the Union of Burma. It commemorates the signing of the Pinlong Sar Choke (ပင်လုံစာချုပ် Panglong Agreement) on February 12, 1947.
Poem
- Wrote a poem “Our Unity” with the pen name Maung Hlaing Phyo for publication in the Working People’s Daily. Received K15 for the poem.
February 13
- Bogyoke Aung San was born on February 13, 1915.
- Zartar name : Htain Lin
- Changed name to rhyme with that of Aung Than (his elder brother).
- Centennial celebrations for Bogyoke were held in 2015.
- February 13 is also as Khalay Myar Nay (Children’s Day).
Tabodwe Festival

The Full Moon of Tabodwe often falls in February.
Two celebrations are held.
- Htamane Pwe (ထမနဲပွဲ Sticky Rice Festival)
- Ovada Partimauk Day (ဩဝါဒပါတိမောက်Exhortation)
USA

February 14
- Valentine’s Day (Chit Thu Myar Nay ချစ်သူများနေ့) is not a public holiday
- Many people send greeting cards and presents.
Presidents’ Day
- In the early days, there were two holidays. One to celebrate George Washington’s birthday.
  Another to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.
- Later a single holiday in February to honor all US Presidents was proposed.
- Some states continue to celebrate the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln.
Canada
- “Family Day” (holiday) is observed on the 2nd Monday of February in Ontario.
- Family Day is observed on the 3rd Monday of February in British Columbia.
Lunar New Year
- Some countries (including China and Vietnam) observe the Lunar Year.
- Lunar Calendar is based on the Chinese Zodiac consisting of Twelve signs staring with Rat and ending with Pig.
- Lunar New Year occurs at the end of January or the beginning of February. The date is not fixed in the Gregorian Calendar.
Our Unity (Poem)
- My poem was published in WPD (Working People’s Daily)
- I composed the poem for “Union Day”
- Mg Hlaing Phyo is one of my pen names
Poem
June 22, 2025
Time
by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Clock at Gyogone Campus

AM, PM & Military Time
- AM stands for Ante Meridian.
- PM stands for Post Meridian.
- A day consists of 12 hours for AM, and 12 hours for PM.
- Some missed schedules (e.g. flights) due to the AM/PM confusion.
- Military time uses the 24 hour notation.
Daylight Savings Time (DST)
- Some countries implement DST.
- In the US, some states do not implement DST.
- “Spring Forward. Fall Back” has some advantages in the early days.
- Legislation changes have moved the start and end dates for DST.
- Some say that DST does not save energy, and the laws should be repealed.
Clocks in ancient times
- The ancient Burmese Kingdom once employed the 60-hour day using the “water” clock. Day time can range from 24 to 32 hours. Ditto for Evening & Night time.
- Some early civilizations use the Sun Dial.
General
- The use of atomic clocks has to be supplemented by smart algorithms for idiosyncrasies introduced by DST, Leap second (to name a few).
- Depending on the culture, the Day of Week may start on a Sunday or a Monday.
- There are numerous software libraries dealing with Calendars, Dates, Times and Holidays.
U Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) wrote :

DST in US, especially at the Spring time when the clock moves an hour ahead (Spring Forward), always have some good stories. Some years back we used to have a large group of people playing soccer on Sunday early mornings, as is called pickup games. It never failed to see people showed up late, forgot to reset the clock, every year. Thank God! The change was on Sundays, or else there would be more interesting work-related stories.

Microsoft Windows have those dates usually baked into the system, as a result when the DST was extended 2008, they had to release a patch to fix the issue.

A bill (a law) to make “DST/Daylight Saving Time” permanent so as not to readjust the clocks twice a year, was approved by the US Congress’s upper chamber, the Senate in March this year. https://www.reuters.com/…/us-senate-approves-bill-that…/.

Unfortunately, Congress’s lower chamber, the House of Representatives, so far fails to pick it up for vote. As a result, the law is in limbo now.

It will only become law only after the President of the US of A sign it after the House of Representatives approve it.

Just a small technicality…

Posts
- Clocks
- Calendars
- Time Management
June 17, 2025
March 13
by Hla Min

Updated: June 2025

1988

Phone Maw
- It was a sad and dark day.
- It was a milestone in the struggle to restore democracy in our beloved land.
- Phone Maw was struck by a stray bullet. He passed away.
Soon Kyaw invitation

Celebrations
- March 13 is observed as “Burma Human Rights Day” (e.g. in the City of Berkeley).
- March 13 is known as “Phone Maw & Soe Naing” Nay.
- Soon offerings are made in their memory.
2016
- RITAA was formed on March 13, 2016
2018
- A huge vinyl with the RITAA Logo was made available on March 13, 2018. Thanks to Ko Eric Foo for the photo and Mech Ko Lay for the vinyl copy.
June 16, 2025