Waso Chinlone Festival: Preserving Myanmar Traditional Cane Ball Playing

94thWasoChinlone (Cane Ball) festival of Maha Muni Pagoda was launched on 28th June at the waso cane ball stadium in the pagoda compound.

304 cane ball teams are participating in the event and 20 teams will show their playing technique per day.

Than Lwin, Chairman, Waso Cane Ball Sub-Committee said “The cane ball teams play by drawing lot system. The competition is held with the aim to preserve Myanmar traditional cane ball playing, to be proud of playing cane ball among the world nations and to cherish nationalistic spirit through team work playing.”

As a special program, the Inwa Era dramatic dance performance on the ground will be staged every Saturday and Sunday during the festival time.

HtayHtay, Principal, Inwa Myanmar Dance Training School said “U.S Foreigner Dan Irish preserves Myanmar traditional culture and reveals dramatic performance on the ground that is nearly to vanish. There are children who are difficult in learning education because of various reasons. He provides the cost of food and accommodation for these children who are interested in this dance learning. We present this dance in the festival to preserve it. The dance is very profound and difficult.”

This is the 94th game and is the largest sport event of its kind held annually since 1926. But the cane ball game was suspended for two years because of COVID-19 pandemic.

Sar-U, Cane Ball player said “We participate in the cane ball festival annually. This is 94th time. Waso month and Waso cane ball festival are inseparable. I’d like to invite the pilgrims and enthusiasts to enjoy the waso cane ball festival.”

The cane ball festival will be held at the Maha Muni Pagoda in Mandalay until 13th July for 16 days.