A visit to Kayah State

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.