The historic town of Kyaukse is currently alive with the vibrant energy of its annual Thadingyut Elephant Dance Competition, a cherished tradition that merges spirited performance with deep-rooted religious customs. The festival officially commenced on Sunday (October 5), October 5th, the 14th day of the lunar month of Thadingyut, at the Shwetha Lyaungtaung Buddha Image Gallery.
This year's competition featured a total of 14 intricately crafted ceremonial elephants, each brought to life by a team of skilled dancers. The contestants were divided into four categories: 3 'Baw Kyar' elephants, 5 traditional senior elephants, 4 traditional junior elephants, and 2 natural-style elephants. A panel of distinguished judges, including Dwey, Zar Ni Bwa, and Pan, among others, were tasked with evaluating the performances based on traditional criteria.
The festivities, which will culminate on the full moon day of Thadingyut, are not limited to the competition alone. The streets echoed with the sounds of musical groups accompanying honor elephants and entertainment elephants, creating a joyous atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
The competition is governed by a strict set of 12 rules designed to preserve the integrity and honor of the event. Notably, the first and second-place winners are obligated to defend their titles in the following year's competition. Any team found to tarnish the city's reputation is barred from future participation. Furthermore, specific regulations prohibit the use of pre-recorded cassette tapes for music and disqualify any elephants that are transported on vehicles, ensuring the authenticity of the performances.
The festival's origins trace back over 900 years to the reign of the great King Anawrahta of Bagan in the 11th century. According to local history, the king received a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha from the King of Ceylon. To determine the most auspicious location for a new pagoda, he placed the relic on a royal white elephant and allowed it to roam free. The elephant journeyed and rested upon several hills in the Kyaukse region, including Shwetha Lyaungtaung, where the king subsequently ordered the construction of the Shwe Thalyaung Pagoda in the year 395 of the Burmese Era.
King Anawrahta decreed that an alms-giving ceremony be held at the pagoda every full moon day of Thadingyut. This evolved into the Elephant Offering Festival, where devotees craft symbolic golden and silver elephants, carry them up the mountain, and make offerings, thus continuing the legacy of the royal white elephant's sacred journey. The enduring festival stands as a testament to Kyaukse's rich cultural heritage and unwavering devotion.
BOB Post
