Myanmar’s Nat Festival
Nats are spirit beings which have existed alongside Burmese Buddhist culture since the 11th century.
There are 37 in total and they have a little more cheek - and certainly more vices – than the Buddhas.
Most have met a violent death, and when they revisit earth, via a human vessel, they must be kept happy.
Apparently, what keeps these particular nats happy is chain smoking, dancing, and drinking their favourite tipple.
“My nat likes to drink beer, wine, Johnny Walker and champagne” - Mg Mg Kyi.
Almost every August, an estimated 250,000 people descend on Taung Pyone, a small rural village outside of Mandalay, to celebrate the nats.
Nats embody humans for their earthly visit.
The festival is decorated with shrines in honour of the 37 nats, which include two brothers.
As she dances, a nat chooses this moment to take over her body. She has to be held up as she contorts - seemingly overcome with emotion, exhaustion and transformation.
Offerings of money and copious amounts of food and drink are made to the nats.
