The Lisu traditional Khawshi
New Year festival and the 60th
anniversary of the Lisu literature
and culture committee will be
celebrated in Putao Town, Kachin
State, for three days from January
16 to 18.
“The Lisu literature and culture
committee was established
in Waingmaw in 1953-1954 but was
formed in Putao only in 1957. As it
was legally formed in the country
60 years ago, we are holding this
celebration to praise God. Union
and state-level guests, as well as
foreign guests, are expected to
attend the festival,” said U Arr T
Yaw Han, Lisu ethnic affairs minister.
“This traditional dance represents
the whole Putao region.
There are some 40 members per
dance troupe. A total of eight or
nine dance troupes will entertain
and compete in the festival,” said
Ko Yaw Shu, leader of a traditional
dance troupe. “I have never
competed before. I am very happy
as I am competing on behalf of
the Lisu ethnic people in Putao.
I am excited and nervous. We are
rehearsing now to compete in the
festival,” said Ma Ngwar Sardu,
a member of a traditional dance
troupe. Sports activities such as
volleyball, Sepak Takraw, shot
put, golf, traditional crossbow
matches and horse riding will
be included, besides traditional
cultural performances and modern
music entertainment. Some
180 beauty queens from across
the country will participate in the
beauty contest.
Traditional culture booths
and other booths will be displayed
at the festival and a lucky draw
programme will also be organised.