Karen New Year

[Courtesy of Eric Bruce Johnston]

Karen are, probably, the second largest ethnic minority group in Burma. But they are hugely oppressed by the military regime in Burma_ the Regime's soldiers frequently attack Karen villages, burning houses, killing children and old people, raping girls and women, using boys and men as forced laborers in their military.

Karens have their resistance organization, Karen National Union (KNU), to fight against the regime.

Here are a few photos of Karens celebrating their New Year in the areas controlled by KNU. Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

New Year concert	Karen freedom fighters (women)	Karen Karen freedom fighters (men)
Garlands to freedom fighters
	Awards to freedom fighters	freedom fighter going to the festival
a freedom fighter	a Karen officer	Officer doing traditional rites
singers at the festival	a Karen family	guests at the festival