Ko Gyi Kyaw

                      The first king of Burmese dynasty was King AnawRaHtar. The myth about him

claims that he is one of the gloriest kings. Even the king of heaven awarded him with a sword.

He suppressed the misbeliefs in his reign. There included spirits, nat in Myanmar. Therefore,

the spirits were unsatisfied with him, and they managed to fight back. But with the gift of the

lord, the king burned the spirits in a fire chamber. The spirits are divided into 37 official and

unofficial. It means that 37 spirits who were burned in the room became official, while the

others did not. Ko Gyi Kyaw was one of 37 official spirits.

                    Ko Gyi Kyaw, also known as Min Kyawzwa, is rooted in Burmese spiritual beliefs.

His identity is various in the folklore of Myanmar. One account suggests that he was the son of

King Theinko of Bagan and was murdered by his brother. The next one is told that he was an

adviser to King Alaungsithu of Bagan. Another account identifies him as Crown Prince Minye

Kyawswa of Ava. The last one describes him as the son of Lord of Pyay and Kuni Devi. How

much his story changes, a common fact in his characters is a hedonistic lifestyle. He was known

for drinking, cockfighting, and gambling. This leads to the belief that he is the guardian of

drunkards and gamblers, with faith seeking his blessings for wealth and success despite their

sins. Ko Gyi Kyaw's legacy is being held right now. The festival of praising him is held

every March in his honor. The celebration was held in his hometown of Pakhan, near Pakokku

in the Magway Region. The believers come and gather to participate in traditional nat dances,

music, and offerings too much to prove his indulgent lifestyle. 

                       In ceremonies intended for Ko Gyi Kyaw, the spirit mediums embody their spirit

through dance and music. They are characterized by lively movements, including dancing,

cockfighting, holding a bottle of alcohol in one hand, and horse riding in the other. The special

traditional music for the spirit is played, and people participate in it. They aim to obtain his

blessings. Some made promises or deals with him, and they made an offering to Ko Gyi Kyaw

before starting a venture.

                    The official spirit, Ko Gyi Kyaw, possesses a unique place in Myanmar's culture.

No matter how educated or scientific we are, we can't deny or discard our tradition. Because

tradition and culture hold a historical value of a nation. Ko Gyi Kyaw will be a tradition told to

our generation