It was such an honor to be welcomed to the small village of Kontangyi, one of 6 villages that are inside the archaeological zone of Bagan. As much as I enjoyed every little luxury of our trip, as I reflect back, it truly was the time spent seeing the landscapes, colors, structures and the people of these lands, their culture and traditions that made it so very memorable. Shall we continue the day by passing under this historic arch into the village of Kontangyi for a special celebration?
We were invited to witness a shinbyu, the traditional Theravada Buddhism Novitation ceremony that young boys go through to enter the monastery and become novice monks. Through the philanthropic arm of Abercrombie and Kent we were able to sponsor this important ceremony.
The whole village comes together to orchestrate this important ceremony. The day began with a colorful processional. We were invited to ride in the brightly decorated ox-drawn carts or walk alongside.
Aren’t these beautiful beasts? Farming, breeding cattle and goats is the primary employment in these villages.
The people of the villages create the decorative Shinlaung hlé pwe or procession, oftentimes including dancing, music and clowns.
Click on the links/ arrows below to hear this mesmerizing music and watch these elegant young dancers.
https://splendidmarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_0991.mov https://splendidmarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_0979.movPreparing their sons for the samanera, the Monastic ordination, and facilitating the protocol of the day is very important duty for the parents to ensure that their sons have a chance to study the teachings of Buddha. The three boys who were entering monkhood that day were ornately dressed and made up as they arrived. On their faces you can see the whitish Tanakha face paste, this is used as a sunscreen but also as a makeup by both men and women. As is tradition, they are shielded from the sun by gold parasols.
They wear princely gowns, resplendent in silk embroidery and accessories to symbolizing Prince Siddartha’s departure from the royal palace as he made the choice to detach himself from the ornate his luxurious trappings.
The monks preside over the process of the day
Including the San Cha, the shaving of the head, when the boys experience self-detachment from their hair. The boy’s family collects his hair in a white cloth.
Afterwards, the boys rinsed off in the village water basin.
As they continued the shaving, we were allowed to wander the village to see first hand the life and culture of these beautiful people. I loved having a chance to see the simply beautiful life they lead.
Here are our elegant dancers, preparing to change into their longyis after their performance.
Greens are being sautéed over an open flame
in part of the communal outdoor kitchen.
The dishwashing area is complete with a scrap bowl for the local dogs.
There were a few different water basins between the living quarters.
I believe these cisterns collect water. The bowls on the shelf are the type that are used by the monks who walk through the towns and markets, people fill them with foods, flowers, money and other tokens, with the understanding that the monks will help the lay person in their next lives if they support the monks in this life.
Once shaven and bathed, the boys were taught how to tie on their simple, traditional robes.
The community comes together for for the ceremony, we joined them on the floor to listen and watch.
Refreshments were set up for after the ceremony.
Here, the boys are ready to continue on with their Sámaner {monastic ordination ceremony}. It is certainly bittersweet for all because they must say goodbye to their families and village life they know.
The families are proud, but also sad because their boys will be leaving their homes for the first time, for a couple of years, or perhaps forever.
Thank you for visiting the village with me, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

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