Karen New Year and traditional harvest festival celebrated in Einme Township, Ayeyarwady Region

The Karen New Year Festival and traditional harvest celebration are being held in a lively and festive atmosphere in Einme Township, Ayeyarwady Region, according to local sources.

The three-day festival began on December 18 and is being organized at the township level under the Ayeyarwady Region administration.

A member of the Festival Organizing Committee said the event is being held as a regional-level celebration in Hinthada Township, Myanmya District. On December 18, activities included traditional Karen done dance competitions and traditional costume contests, along with puppet shows and performances of Karen songs.

On the morning of December 19, the Karen national flag was ceremonially raised at dawn, followed by an official ceremony and speeches. Union-level and regional officials attended the event, and goodwill messages were read aloud. Traditional Karen dance performances were also presented. A ceremony honoring elderly community members was included as part of the program. Elderly people from 102 village tracts in Einme Township who were unable to attend the festival in person will also be visited and paid respects in their respective villages.

The festival also features an exhibition showcasing Karen traditional culture. As part of the second phase of the program, the traditional Karen harvest festival will be held, with participants celebrating through music and dance.

In the evening, a football final match between 56 teams that competed over the past month will take place, followed by an award ceremony. Traditional theatrical performances will be staged free of charge in the evening, with additional performances continuing on the night of December 20.

The Karen New Year Festival has been held in Einme Township for 55 years at the township level and has been organized three times at Rrional level, according to organizers.