Kayin(KAREN) State

Is on elongated area lying to the south-east running from the north-west to the south-east. The total area of the State is 11,731 square miles. Besides Kayins who are the majority, the Mons, Myanmars, Taungthus and Shans live in Kayin State. The Kayins are the second largest minority in Myanmar. There are two types of Kayin the hill Kayins and the plain Kayins. And they differ in language and physical features. There are animists, Buddhists and Christians among Kayins but the majority are Buddhists. The Kayins have their own letters, literature and culture. Main economy is agriculture and its related businesses. Rice, betelnut, ground nut, sesame, peas, beans, coffee, tea are grown. Rubber plantations are found in the southern areas. Evergreen forests cover roughly half of the region. Teak and other hard wood timber are important products of the region. The plains at Kayin State are dotted by lime stone caverns and lime stone hills protruding steeply upwards. Among the hills, Zwegabin hill is the most prominent with a height of 2,372 ft above sea level.

There are many Kayin cultural activities worshipping the Duway Pagoda, propagating Nat spirit paying homage to etcetera deities traditional boom fire festival are held since old time till today. On such occasion, Kayin Don dance is performed. Don dance originated from the collected social activities. Kayins love Don dance. Don dance provoke communal unity and cultivate sense of corporation. Don dance is the naional cultural performance portraying the beauty and love sign of Kayins. It’s long last as one of Kayins traditional dances.

• < Prev
• Next >