Mongyu, 23May
    

The prize awarding ceremony for a traditional boat race took place in Mongyu Town, Tachilek Dsitrict in Eastern Shan State on 22 May.
    

The event was participated by eight teams and the award winning teams were presented prizes by the chairman of the committee for holding boat race U Aung Pyae Phyo, departmental officials, and ward and village administrators.  The boat race has been held traditionally once in three years since time immemorial. The purpose of the traditional boat race is to improve social, economic, health, educational and job opportunity status of local people and to prevent them from various disaster risks.

Residents from Dunngwe, Wangpauk and Kengkham villages in Mongyu Town used to worship traditional spirits (Nat) to bring good luck, according to the event organizing committee. The competition was held from 20 to 22 May, drawing many visitors from various corners of the country.—Ko Ko Naing (Mongyu)

Translated by Kyaw Htike Soe