Kay Htoo Boe
- utopiarefugeehealt
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
On Saturday 19 April 2025, our Karenni community celebrated Kay Htoo Boe.
In the words of our Karenni bicultural worker Thet "There was a story, people believed that god left us one big stick and requested us to celebrate to remember him on every new year.
On the day of celebration, we bring food and drink, Karenni wine and chicken with sticky rice. Before we eat and drink, we usually give some to the Ei Lu, the big white pole, first".
Clara our women's health nurse, participated in the celebrations.
"On a beautiful sunny Saturday, Utopia staff joined the local Karenni community to celebrate the Kay Htoo Boe Festival. A significant spiritual and cultural event marking the Karenni New Year.
A Karenni community member making an offering to Ei Lu
The festival was held on the lawns of the Cultural Northern Community Hub where towering white Kay Htoe Boe Totems stood as the centerpiece of the day.
We enjoyed traditional Karenni performances, including dancing, drumming and a fashion show.
The community's passion for sport was celebrated with an award ceremony, recognizing the team members of the volleyball and soccer tournaments held alongside the festival.
Following the formal rituals, we enjoyed a communal lunch of chicken and sticky rice, with plenty of home brewed rice wine".
