20 July
WHEN I was on duty to pay a visit to this town, I underestimated it would be an area with least travel sites. But I regretted for my thoughts every town was famous based on their histories as well as travel sites. I experienced second trips to Kalay where everybody might visit Kalay by car but aviation transport would be the best. I visited Kalay in my childhood when I was in the fourth standard. On the second trip, all the scenes I had seen were very different from that of my childhood.
Tarhan Ward in Kalay was native land of my grandfather, grandmother and relatives. My grandmother and my mother were natives of Tarhan. But I am mixed blood with Mizo.
From Karlay to Kalay
Kalay is in Shan language, called marketable town or market town. It was called Karlay in the past. The town was established by King Kyay Taungnyo, 56th king of Nwepat dynasty, on 2 February 967. The existing Kalay was built by Counsellor Seik Thint Yan of King Bayintnaung in 1581. It was ruled by Saophas. Now, the town is over 1,000 years old. Brick walls and brick layers can be seen in local residences till today. Some people remarked it was an old city of Yazagyo. It was located at crossing road junction where the Chin public relations office of Chin Rifle Battalion was opened in BIA era. So, the area was called Kang Lei in Chin language. Then, the town became developed due to visits of travellers.
Various national races especially Chin ethnics reside in Kalay. Many kinds of Chin ethnics including Mizo Chin ethnics are residing in Tarhan Ward. Chin ethnics from hilly regions wishing to move their residences to plains firstly think to reside in Kalay. So, various kinds of Chin ethnics can be seen there. But, Kalay is home not only to Chin ethnics but also to Shan, Yaw and Bamar ethnics.
I have heard Kalay is the third prosperous town in Sagaing Region. Rain trees planted on both sides of the roads in British era are significant beauties of Kalay.
Climate
Climatic conditions are severe as the town is located in the large pit. Even in monsoon, temperature is high. But, December and January are very cold for all.
How to pay visit
2+1 VIP express buses are running to Kalay from Yangon taking many hours. Aviation transport is better by taking about two hours to Kalay. Air tickets would be set at various prices ranging from K80,000 to K120,000.
Travel sites in Kalay
Actually, Kalay is full of interesting things. Taking a position at Chin and Sagaing border, the town can be seen with various cultures in addition to Chin traditional costumes and sari of India. Travellers can easily hire tuk-tuk on their trips, motorcycles and private cars.
King Solomon Pond
Travellers can walk to the pond by taking 40 minutes, near Kyar-in Village, as a recreation area for youths. Entrance fee is K200 per visitor. It is surrounded by paddy fields with mountain ranges in background. It is a significant site among local youths for taking photos and relaxation and for fishing.
Lamp market
It is one of the famous markets in Kalay. Lamp market, hustle and bustle with people starting from 4 am daily, takes a position in the east of Kalay junction. Travellers pay visits to the market in early morning.
Shwebontha Pagoda
Travellers can see the pagoda together with Asoka Lake on Phayagyi Road. They were built by King Asoka. Buddha Pujaniya festival is celebrated yearly. A well sunk by King Asoka can be seen in the precinct of Mahasi meditation centre in the southern part of the pagoda.
Myochet Aungmye Pagoda
Taxi driver took me to the victory land. On my way, I saw the archway of Myochet Aungmye Monastery. I grasped the opportunity to pay homage to Myochet Aungmye Pagoda but missed chance to walk on the victory land due to lack of spare time.
City hall and archway of Kalay
The archway of Kalay is very beautiful. I fearfully heard the archway in Kalay was inundated at that time when Kalay was flooded. The city hall is located on the way to archway. Bandoola Statue at the junction has been moved to the front wing of city hall.
First Yayhsankyun Pagoda A large teak log went upstream in the river near Kalay. The first log which went against the current was carved into the Buddha image. The first Yayhsankyun Pagoda is located in the compound of Hindu temple near Myoma market in Kalay. Small Buddha images were carved on the trunk of teak log. Gods of Hinduism can be seen interior. The First Yayhsankyun Pagoda is older than that near Myittha River.
By Thiha, the Traveller
Translated by Than Tun Aung
