Celebrating Tradition: Gon Shan traditionalMingala Drum Conveying Festival

The Gon Shan ethnic community organized the 613th celebration of the Traditional Maha Thingyan Mingala Drum Conveying Festival in Kengtung of Shan State (East) on Friday.
Member of the Central Advisory Board of the State Administration Council U Sai Lone Saing attended the ceremony together with Triangle Region Command Commander Maj-Gen Aung Khaing Win and officials, alongside Shan Traditional Cultural Troupes and local ethnics.
The celebration commenced with a cultural performance, followed by the donation of cash for the ceremony. Then the Nanda Bayri Mingalar Drum was conveyed to the stage, and the Board member and officials blessed for good wishes by sounding the drum 7 times. They later sprinkled scented water on the drum, followed by performances of traditional dances accompanied by continuous drumming.
Gon Shan ethnic people hold this ritual ceremony annually. According to tradition, the drum will sound continuously for 24 hours starting April 12th and will be conveyed to LaungKoat Nat Khin creek on the 13th. It is believed that by sounding the Nanda Bayri Drum, the country will achieve peace and prosperity, with flourishing religion and favorable climatic conditions.