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Kayah State

More a token nod to a Karen subdivision than a recognition of any substantial political power, Kayah State represented slightly over 0.4 percent of the national population in the early 1980s. Nestled between Karen State to the south and Shan State to the north, with Thailand un its eastern border, the Red Karen, or Karenni (also called Kayahs), have managed to differentiate themselves enough from their neighbors to carve out a special status with Burman kings, Shan princes, British colonialists, and Burmese socialists. It is possible that the secret of their success has been that no major power has really cared enough about their territory to integrate it thoroughly into a larger mandala. To distinguish themselves from other Karens, Kayahs historically established Shan-like small kingdoms that were more symbolic than actual. In the early 1980s their state was part of the complex Thailand-Burma border culture that involved the shadow economy and Karen and Shan insurgency, but up-to-date information was sparse.

Known in Myanmar Literature as Ngwe Taung Pyay, the country of somas. Kayah State is located to the south Shan State to its east is Thailand. The total area of the State is about 4,530 square miles. Being close to Shan State, Kayin State and Myanmar Upper many nationalities living there such as the Kayahs, Shans, Innthars, Paos, Paye`, Gekho, Danu Manaw, Padaung, Yinbaw, Yintale, Pagu etc.. There are many high hills and mountains in Kayah State. The main hydroelectric power plant well known as Lawpita which distributed electricity to different parts of the country is located in this State.The Biluchaung stream provides water source to this plant. The Kayahs earn their living by farming and forest extractions timber, resin, Lac, Lacquer as well as by their arts and handicrafts.

The Kayahs are pious.Taungwe Taung Zedi is the most venerated pagoda in the State.The State's capital is Loikaw.The scenic beauty of Kayah State always invite the visitors with warm welcome.Kayahs who are the united national has nine ethnic branches.Geba who mostly live on hills choose auspicious days for trashing paddy. On such occasion, they perform paddy trashing tasks. It is the seasonal task. At the house-warming ceremony, shees dance and bamboo flapping dance are performed Dahasu is the traditional dance which presents agriculture activities.