Biggest Shan New Year Festival

Biggest Shan New Year Festival 

Taunggyi, 25 December 1999 

S.H.A.N. source from Taunggyi reported that the biggest Shan New Year festival has just been held in northern Shan State. 

The festivities were held, 21-25 December, at Zay-oo in Hsenwi Township, Lashio District, jointly by Hsenwi Township Literature and Culture Committee and the Shan State Army Central, better known as Shan State National Army. 

The ceremony on 24 December was attended by more than 30,000 people, "a phenomenon unseen before", according to the source. Speeches were given by Sai Fah, M.P., Shan Nationalities; Maj. Gen Sai Nawng, Chairman of the Shan State Peace Committee; Col. Karnyord, General Secretary of the SSPC and the SSNA; and Lt-Col. Ganna, Commander, 11th Brigade, SSNA. 

All Shan State Literature and Culture Meeting

Representatives from 40 township gathered at Zay-oo, Hsenwi Township, to discuss literature and cultural issues. It was attended by Sai Fah, MP, SNLD and Col. Karnyord, General Secretary, Shan State National Army. 

The meeting was presided over by Dr. Sai Mawkkham, Chairman, All Shan State Literature and Culture Committee.