The Pa-O National Victory Hall in Naung Kalar Village, Thaton Township, Mon State, hosted the 9th Pa-O New Year celebration on the morning of December 1, marking the first waxing day of Nattaw in the Pa-O calendar year 2716.

During the event, attendees heard New Year blessings delivered by the chairman of the Mon State Pa-O Literature and Culture Association and the venerable Sayadaw Maha Saddhamma Jotika Dhaja Bhaddanta Sandavamsa from Khemauk Sinka Pu Monastery in Bilin Township of Mon State.

 Historian U Khun Htun Shain gave a talk explaining the origins of Pa-O New Year.

A committee member of the organizing team reported that the Mon State government contributed 1 million kyats in support of the Mon State Pa-O Literature and Culture Association during the event.

The celebration featured traditional Pa-O cultural performances, including traditional dances and music, as well as various entertainment programs, according to the committee.

The designation of the first waxing day of Nattaw as Pa-O New Year Day was decided during the Pa-O National Conference held in Thaton’s Suvanna Hall from February 16 to 19, 2015. 

This date is also historically significant, as it marks the day Gautama Buddha visited the Thaton region. The Pa-O community has since recognized it as their New Year in accordance with their traditions.