11 March
PALM leaf beads have been the symbol or the special souvenir of Shwesayan Pagoda festival normally ,held in March every year in Patheingyi Township, Mandalay Region. But the age-old traditional handicraft business of making palm leaf beads, palm leaf fans and palm leaf toys is fading. “Normally, it is a family business, especially suitable to the large families. In the past there were more than ten persons involved in this handicraft industry in our village, but the number has reduced to seven, said U Tar of Nyaungwun Village in Kyaukse Township who produces the beads.
“But we are determined to revitalize this business. There will be palm leaf beads and other palm leaf-based products as long as the pagoda festival lives,” he said.—(Min Htet Aung/Mann sub-printing house)
