Manau (dance)

The ''manau'' (; zh, , s=目瑙纵歌, p=Mùnǎo zònggē) dance is a traditional ceremony common to the Kachin (or Jinghpaw) people of northern Myanmar (Burma), Yunnan, China and Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Although the majority of Kachin people are Christian, the ''manau'' has its roots in animistic religion. The ''manau'' ground where the ceremony takes place is the cultural center of Kachin communities.

''Manau''s can be held throughout the year, but the biggest ''manau'' dance, the ''sut manau'', is held in January. Many Kachin towns hold manau dances, with the largest celebrations taking place in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State in Myanmar, in Laiza, the capital of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), and in Ruili, a center of Kachin culture in Yunnan, China. There is also a manau in Arunachal Pradesh, India. A Manau is also held in Banmai Samakki, Thailand.

During the ''manau'', a senior official leads a procession of dancers in circles around the sacred ''manau'' poles ( zh, 示栋), which are decorated with diamond symbols and curved lines. Loud drums provide a beat for the dancers to follow. The ''manau'' leader (; zh, 瑙双) wears a traditional headdress decorated with hornbill feathers.

Male dancers hold a traditional Kachin sword called a ''n'htu'' during the dance.

History

According to legend, Jingpo people came down from the mountain, Majoi Shingra, to Hkranghku Majoi. Before then, they didn't celebrate Manaus. Between AD. 300 and 400, Jawa Rumja (Tingli yaw), the son of Pawng Yawng, married a Lamu madai girl. After that, Lamu madai led the first Manau.

Jinghpaw dominance within the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) has contributed to growing tensions among the broader Kachin ethnic coalition, as seen during the 2025 Manau festival—a major cultural event celebrating Kachin State Day. Several non-Jinghpaw groups, including the Lacid, Lhaovo, Lisu, Rawang, and Zaiwa, objected to the use of "Jinghpaw" in the festival's title, arguing that it excluded other Kachin subgroups. They called for the name to be changed from ''Jinghpaw Mungdaw Nhtoi'' to the more inclusive ''Kachin Mungdaw Nhtoi''. The dispute led to the festival’s temporary cancellation and, although it was eventually held, attendance was sparse and tensions remained unresolved. These divisions reflect deeper grievances, particularly among the Lisu, who have accused the KIO of marginalization and have increasingly aligned with pro-Tatmadaw forces. Such intra-ethnic disputes undermine the unity of the Kachin movement and pose strategic challenges to the KIO’s leadership in the broader struggle for autonomy.

Myitkyina Manau

One of the largest Manau dances is held in Myitkyina. Traditionally it is held in January, each year, but conflict in the region has meant that the manau is only held occasionally. The Myitkyina Manau is currently managed by the Burmese government, a situation that has led to boycotts of the event by many Kachins.Pangmu Shayi. DVB. January 16th 2015. Questioning This Year's Manau FestivalKachin culture group boycotts Manau festival in Myitkyina. Kachinland News. January 11th 2015. http://www.kachinnews.com/news/2719-kachin-culture-group-boycotts-manau-festival-in-myitkyina.html

References

{{reflist
*Bertil Lintner, "The Kachins: Lords of Burma's Northern Frontier"
*C. Gilhodes, "Kachins: Religion and Customs"

Kachin culture
Circle dances
Jingpo people
Ritual dances