The traditional Kayin white thread-tying ceremony (Wagoung month) was held at 9 am yesterday at the Union Hall of the National Races Village in Thakayta Township, Yangon Region.
The ceremony was opened by U Saw Tun Aung Myint, Honorary Patron of the Kayin Literature and Culture Committee (Central) and Leader of the Central Advisory Body of the National Defence and Security Council, together with Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein, Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Pyae Sone Lin, Deputy Minister for Ethnic Affairs U Zaw Aye Maung, Brig-Gen Saw Sunny from the Mingaladon Air Base, and Yangon Region Minister for Ethnic Affairs U Saw Jacob Htoo, by beating nine frog drums while Kayin youths blew buffalo horns.
Afterwards, U Saw Tun Aung Myint delivered a speech highlighting the importance of preserving Kayin cultural heritage in harmony with an honest, peaceful, and inclusive way of life rooted in love, justice, hospitality, and patience.
Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein then gave an opening address, followed by an explanation of the Kayin white thread-tying tradition by the Yangon Region Minister for Ethnic Affairs. Next, the Kayin ethnic troupe performed traditional cultural dances.
U Saw Tun Aung Myint and his wife, the Yangon Region chief minister and his wife, the Command and his wife, the deputy minister, regional ministers and their wives, departmental officials, and members of the Kayin ethnic troupe were presented with white threads by Kayin grandparents and youths.
On behalf of the Yangon Region Government, the Honorary Patron of the Kayin Literature and Culture Committee (Central), the Yangon Region chief minister, and the Yangon Command commander donated K15 million to the Kayin ethnic youths who performed.
The ceremony continued with traditional Kayin dances by ethnic youths, a “Unity” song by the Union National Races Village Cultural Group, a cultural dance performance by Hlegu Education Degree College, and a fashion show featuring traditional Kayin clothing from both past and present.
Zaw Min Latt (MNA)/MKKS
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