The opening ceremony for the 79th Shan National Day, which falls on February 7, was held on Thursday morning at Loi Tai Leng, the headquarters of the Restoration Council of Shan State / Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA).

The event was attended by RCSS/SSA Chairman General Yawd Serk, along with officials and invited guests.

Following the 1962 military coup, the junta abolished the term “Shan National Day” and replaced it with “Shan State Day.” Despite this, the Shan people have continued to observe the occasion as Shan National Day in order to preserve their national identity.

The day is historically significant as the occasion when the Shan national flag, national anthem, and unity were formally recognized.

Shan State is home not only to the Shan people but also to many other ethnic groups, including the Pa-O, Palaung (Ta’ang), Danu, Intha, Lahu, Akha, Kachin, and Karen, who live together across the state.

February 7 is regarded not as a day for a single ethnic group, but as a historic milestone that laid the foundation for equal rights for all people of Shan State.

Photo: Sai Harn Lin / SHAN