A prayer, chanted in a soft, gentle voice by Pati Pakode (Uncle Pakode), echoes across the peaceful morning along the Salween River at Sob Moei Village in Sob Moei District, Mae Hong Son Province, where the river meets the Moei before flowing into Myanmar.
The elderly spiritual leader and a few of his companions lead villagers, along with more than a hundred guests from other Karen communities and conservation networks near and far, in “Lhue Thi” in Karen, or “Liang Chao Nam” in Thai—a ritual offering of food to honour the spirit of the water.
In Karen belief, the ritual is held once a year to offer an apology to the river for harm done over the past year, to ask for forgiveness, and to pray for and bless the river while seeking blessings in return.
This year is especially significant. The ceremony is being held on March 14, the International Day of Action for Rivers, at a time when troubling reports have emerged of widespread transboundary pollution caused by unregulated mining in Myanmar. In response, the community has performed the ritual with special prayers, wishing for the Salween River—and themselves—to be free from harm, not only from dams but also from toxic contamination.
“It’s kind of soul-soothing from long-time friends,” said a senior Karen taking part in the ritual.
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