The Kayin New Year Festival, organized by the Taungkalay village committee, commenced with the opening ceremony featuring the symbolic image of the frog drum and buffalo horn at 7 am on 9 January.
The event occurred at the Kayin New Year Ground in Taungkalay Village, Hpa-an Township, Kayin State, said Saw Kyaw Min Sein, a committee member.
In anticipation of the Kayin New Year festival scheduled for 11 January in regions and states with Kayin communities, Taungkalay village traditionally holds its festivities two days earlier. The village becomes a hub of the celebration, attracting people from across Kayin State who come to partake in dance performances, traditional sports, and other activities.
The opening ceremony witnessed the participation of Kayin ethnic dance troupes, traditional Kayin folk dance troupes, and cultural groups from different townships in Kayin State, all joining to mark the symbolic image unveiling for the 2024 Kayin New Year.
The upcoming festival in Taungkalay Village, Hpa-an Township, Kayin State, from 9 to 11 January, is expected to feature sports competitions and traditional Kayin ethnic dance competitions. — ASH/TKO
