Saying about Kayah State, one may see the land lies in
the hilly region. Kayah State is situated at the eastern part of Myanmar. Its
capital is “Loikaw” which means “a separate hillock” in Shan
dialect. It was known as “Thiri Dall” over 170 years ago. Then, it
changed into “Kandaryawadi” and finally called “Loikaw”. Loikaw, which is 2950
feet above sea level is a plain surrounded by mountain ranges like natural
wall.
There are many Buddha’s heritages such as stupas, pagodas
and monasteries and Thiri Mingalar Taung Kawe` Zedi is the most significant
one. Its rocky protrusions on the plain and the location of
Thiri Mingalar Taung Kawe` Zedi is significant as Loikaw is a plain region
surrounded by mountain ranges. According to geological survey, the rock layers of Kayah
State are old-aged and it is located in a region of compact rock
layer.
The earth of Kayah State has been emerged as a mass of
ground from under the sea level since 280 million years ago as, pagodas
and monasteries and Thiri Mingalar Taung Kawe` Zedi is the most significant
one. Its rocky protrusions on the plain and the location of
Thiri Mingalar Taung Kawe` Zedi is significant as Loikaw is a plain region
surrounded by mountain ranges.
According to geological survey, the rock layers of Kayah
State are old-aged and it is located in a region of compact rock
layer. The earth of Kayah State has been emerged as a mass of
ground from under the sea level since 280 million years ago. That’s why, Thiri Mingalar Hill is comprised of
limestone.
You can view clearly the beautiful scene of Loikaw from
this mountain. Thiri Mingalar Taung Kawe` Zedi was built over 100 years
ago. At present, due to the constant all-round renovation of the government,
religious buildings have been progressing there. Moreover, there is a plan to install a modern
lift.
Another prominent pagoda grandly built as a pride of
Loikaw is Hsu Taung Pyaye Myo Nan Zedi. It was built about 140 years ago. Myo Nan Zedi surrounded by Banyan and star-flower trees
is sublime and glorious with the arts of Myanma handicrafts as the successive
governments have been carrying out all round renovations. These handicrafts are amazing and breathtaking to
everyone. So, Myo Nan Zedi is well-known and eminent not only in Kayah State but
also in the whole of Myanmar. At present, the interest of the Buddha Sasana can be
undertaken more than ever because a religious building (or) Sasana Beikman has
been built near Myo Nan Zedi.
Kayah national tribes such as Kayah, Kayaw, Kayan
Padaung, Yinnbaw, Gaykhoe, GayBar and ManuManaw have been residing in unity and
unison together with Barmar, Shan, Pa-O and Inntha national
races.
Especially, we can see the honest and sincere traditions
and customs of local national races on the market day which is opened once in
every 5 day. You can buy fresh and clean vegetables, fruits, local
foods, utensils and colourful flowers on the market days. On Loikaw Market days,
there are bustling and swarming alive with buyers and dealers from the villages
of its vicinity since its early morning.
Most Kayan Padaung nationals live in Pampet village which
is situated in Kayah State. Accordingly, Kayan Padaung tradition costume and
their way of life are distinguished and interesting. One of the strange believes
is that the longer the neck, the more beautiful the person. Therefore, Padaung
woman when they come of age, wear bronze rings around the neck. That’s why, the
Padaung has become a popular tribe of Myanmar.
You can observe Kayan Padaung nationals who are famous
for their bronze rings on the market days. It is a good opportunity for those who interested in
collecting souvenir to buy Kayan Padaung traditional hand-weaving
cloths.
If you want to observe traditional culture of Kayah
ethnic groups in detail you can pay a visit and observe at Kayah Cultural
Museum, where various kinds of frog-drums, which are the symbols of Kayah
national races, are on displayed. You can also study big and small of gongs, short and long
drums and bamboo lute (Wa Byat Saung), which is a scarce traditional
instrument.
In this cultural museum, traditional costumes, utensils,
paintings and sculpture of Kayah national races are also
displayed.
