By Bala / MPA
DEMOSO, Myanmar – In the eastern reaches of Demoso Township, Karenni State, the vibrant sounds of traditional drums and gongs echoed through the village of Phe Lyar yesterday as locals gathered for the annual Kayah “Youth” Tagundaing (Sacred Pole) festival.
While the region has been marked by years of instability, the community continues to uphold this centuries-old tradition, specifically dedicated to the well-being of those under the age of 18.
“This is the ‘minor’ festival—it is for the children,” a local elder woman explained. “Families with children bring a chicken to offer to the traditional spirits. The entire village participates, gathering not in private homes, but at the communal sacred pole compound.”
The festival is a sensory display of Kayah heritage. Participants cook traditional meals within the sacred grounds, performing ritual offerings followed by rhythmic dances to the beat of bronze drums.
The celebration also carries a symbolic cleansing ritual. After the formal ceremonies conclude, the village engages in a day of water-throwing.
“We are carrying on the legacy of our ancestors so it doesn’t disappear in our lifetime,” said one attendee. “The water throwing is meant to wash away the misfortunes and impurities of the past year.”
For the Kayah people, the Tagundaing festival is more than just a ceremony; it is an appeal for survival and prosperity. Locals believe the ritual ensures bountiful harvests, protects against droughts and climate irregularities, and brings health and economic stability to the community.
Despite the ongoing challenges in Karenni State, the event was concluded safely, marking another year of cultural resilience for the people of Phe Lyar.
