Elephant Dance Festival: Over 100 decorated elephant dummies participated

Decorated elephant dummies festival, elephant dance competition and award presenting ceremony was held in Kyaukse at the foot of Shwe Thalyaung Hill in Kyaukse Township on Saturday with the participation of over 100 decorated elephant dummies.
Since the reign of King Anawrahta, the elephant dummies festival has been celebrated annually for over 900 years.
Aung Myo Thein, Chairman, Central Organizing Committee said "The elephant dance competition is held to preserve the tradition and culture, to expose the peacefulness and prosperity of the region and to enhance tourism industry. A total of 17 elephant dummies participated in the competition under four categories."
Kyaukse township is the only place in Myanmar where the elephant dance competitions are held.
The elephant dummies festival and dance competition are held on 14th waxing moon of Thadingyut and the donation ceremony is held on full moon day of Thadingyut annually.
Aung Zaw Oo, Chairman, Organizing Committee said "We awarded 2 million kyats to 1st prize winner, 1.5 million kyats to 2nd prize winner, 1 million kyats to 3rd prize winner and 300,000 kyats to consolation prize winners. We also awarded 100,000 kyats each of the 77 elephant dummies which entertain with dances around Myoma market. "
Usually, there were about 70 elephant dummies participate in the festival but a total of over 100 elephant dummies participated in this year festival.