International seminar on Shan culture switches time and venue

Culture

International seminar on Shan culture switches time and venue

Europe-based Shan and Burmese News, published by Burma's Chinese, reported yesterday that organizers of the Second International Seminar on Dai Culture in Four River Valleys in China's Yunnan Province have put off its dates and locale:

The dates have been moved up from 7-10 April to 2-5 May, while the new venue will be in the Dehong Autonomous Prefecture's Ruili (Mong Mao) in the north, opposite Shan State's Muse, instead of Jinghong (Chiangrung/Kenghung) in the Xixuangbanna Autonomous Prefecture in the south, opposite Mongla. No reasons have been given for the abrupt changes.

According to a Shan organizer of the Seminar, the main problem was the shortage of funds. "As Mong Mao is just across the border from Muse, we will be able to cut down a lot of expenses," he explained.

Shan, a Burmese corruption of Siam, is written either Dai or Tai, a linguistic grouping that embraces Shans in Burma, Ahoms in India, Dai in China, the majority people in Laos and Thailand and Tais in Vietnam.

The first seminar was held in the Dehong prefecture's capital, Manxi (Mong Khawn in Shan) in 2003.

Detailed program:
2 May 2005: Opening ceremony, Official banquet, Cultural dances and performances
3 May 2005: Excursion of Mong Mao, former capital of Shan kingdom
4-5 May 2005: Cultural seminar, Closing ceremony

For further information, please contact Mr Shi Anda, Tel/Fax: 0871-414 8459 and Email: <yila424_2002@yahoo.com.cn>