Myanmar: Ramadan observations to start May 26-27

Event

On May 26-27, Muslims will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place on June 25. Though practices can vary by country, many businesses, restaurants, and government administrations are expected to operate on a reduce schedule during this holy month. Diplomatic missions may also operate on a similar schedule.

While Myanmar is largely Buddhist, the Rohingya minority – a group of more than 1 million Muslims who primarily live in western Myanmar’s Rakhine state – are likely to celebrate Ramadan. Possible sectarian problem areas thus include Rakhine State as well as the capital Yangon. Buddhist nationalists were arrested in Yangon on May 12 for inciting violence in a Muslim neighborhood and “hunting for ‘illegal’ Rohingya.”

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown (particularly over weekends) is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather to celebrate the holy month with family. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of exhaustion, hunger, dehydration, and impatience.

Additionally, expect tight security measures in major urban areas due to a heightened terror threat. In 2016, Islamic State (IS) called on its members to perpetrate attacks coinciding with Ramadan. Some regional terrorist groups followed suit. Finally, local authorities typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion.

Nationalists within Myanmar’s Buddhist majority have become increasingly hostile toward the country’s Muslim minority communities in recent months, holding protests and preventing Islamic religious ceremonies from being held. Two schools were recently closed temporarily over accusations that they were serving as mosques.

Advice

Individuals in Myanmar are advised not to eat, drink or smoke in public by day in Muslim-majority areas during this period. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.

As a precautionary measure, many Western governments and Myanmar authorities advise travelers against all but essential travel to Rakhine state except the southern townships of Kyaukpyu, Ramree, Munaung, Toungup, Thandwe (including the tourist resort of Ngapali), and Gwa. Individuals present in western Myanmar should avoid nonessential travel to the region bordering Bangladesh.