Padauk Blossom in Myanmar 2025

The padauk is a sacred flower honored in the culture of Myanmar. It can be seen flowering during the Thingyan festival (Burmese New Year) celebration.

Best Time to Observe

Mid-April marks the annual blossoming of the padauk flowers in Myanmar. This favorable month also coincides with the Thingyan festival. The blooming season for the flowers, however, may vary from one area to another in Myanmar, providing photography opportunities for tourists and locals alike who do not follow the Thingyan festival.

More About the Plant

The padauk, also known as the Thingyan flower, is Myanmar's beloved national floral symbol. Native to Southern Asia, Northern Australia, and the Western Pacific Islands, it thrives across Myanmar. Blooming in delicate, fragrant yellow-gold clusters, the padauk bursts into full glory overnight after the first April rains, transforming the entire tree into a golden spectacle.

Padauk As a Holiday Symbol

You'll find this holiday symbol in big cities such as Yangon or Mandalay and any other bigger or smaller town or village. The flowers decorate all public places, temples, houses, and even vehicles. The Myanmar people carry gold flowers to the Buddha statues and other revered shrines. During the celebrations, people present gifts in the form of flower petals in a silver bowl to their deities. They also present flower necklaces to travelers, showing hospitality and goodwill.

Cultural Significance

Even outside of the Thingyan festivities, the padauk remains an integral part of local culture. It is a favorite flower of poets and artists. According to a legend, the padauk flower symbolizes youth and love, strength, longevity, and success. Bouquets of the padauk are given to young girls as a token of love confession. Local women wear necklaces of padauk blooms as decoration. At last, the flower is often depicted in pottery and ceramics or sculpted in stone. Thus, the plant has long become a part of everyday life in Myanmar.