The Pa-O traditional lighting ceremony was held on the fullmoon of Tabodwe in the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone in southern Shan State.
The lighting ceremony was collectively held by seven villages on the hill of the Buddha Park in Naungpi village-tract, Pinlaung Township in the self-administered zone, with one flambeau representing each village.
The Pa-O traditional lighting ceremony is slowly disappearing, and is only held by children, said local people in Hteeyeekayin village. At the ceremony, villagers from each village participated in full Pa-O traditional dress and lighted the pole which is locally known as “Mae Tin”. The ceremony aimed to pay homage to Buddha.
Although it was held by old people before, it is now being held by young people in Pa-O villages. The ceremony was resumed last year at the Lwebaung Buddha Park with the purpose to preserve the Pa-O tradition, said a local. — Khun Aung (Naung Tayar)/GNLM
