New generation of rowers featured in historic regatta on the Ayeyarwady

New generation of rowers featured in historic regatta on the Ayeyarwady

Published on Friday, 27 September 2013 18:13

One of Myanmar's traditional, twelve-month seasonal festivals featured a changing of the guard yesterday, with a new generation of rowers participating in the Shwekyatyet-Shwekyatkya boat race competition.

For this year's two-day event, held on the Ayeyarwady River near Shwekyetkya pagoda in Amayapura Township, central Myanmar, a new generation of younger participants competed for the first time in a race that uses traditional boats to represent participating villages.

"In the past, we have held the boat race competition with experienced rowers. This year, we wanted to give first priority to a newer generation of youth teams," said Win Aung, a member of the boat race observance committee.

"We want them to know more about our traditional boat race. Once they appreciate the history of it, we can one day hand over the event to them so that they can preserve the competition. Most of the youths are very interested in the boat race."

With 11 rowers per team, each of the 13 participating villages in the competition has a team. The winner receives Ks 100,000 and the championship trophy, while the runner-up receives Ks 70,000 and a cup. The third-place finisher receives Ks 50,000 and a cup.

"The Shwekyatyet boat race festival has been held continuously since Myanmar's ancient kings introduced the tradition during the Inwa era. We truly value this festival, as it promotes harmony and peaceful co-existence between the participating villagers and it makes our young people stronger," Win Aung added.

During the festival, religious associations offer meals to the monks and light candles for the Buddha image as well as reciting religious sermons.

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/new-generation-of-rowers-featured-in-historic-regatta-on-the-ayeyarwady/