The men slave over hot ovens, vats of rice wine have brewed, the priest is on hand and the guns are loaded -- welcome to a lavish housewarming, Kayang style.

“If you don’t do it, people will say bad things so that is not a good omen. If you provide food and people say the food is great, then it’s a good omen. It’s merit making,” said Magdalena.

The 40-year-old and her husband hosted this spectacular party for hundreds of guests in a remote mountainous spot in rural Kayah state to mark moving into their new home, which she hopes to turn into a roadside shop.

In an event that combined several traditions, local priests sprinkled holy water from the mountains around the house to drive away evil spirits.

Dozens of local men walked from the nearby village playing flutes and drums to accompany the Christian blessing ceremony. 

A cow, two pigs and ten chickens were slaughtered for the feast, which is traditionally prepared by the men, while the entertainment included a shooting competition and singing and dancing that lasted late into the night.

“It is quite a special event,” Magdalena said.

(Interview conducted in June 2016)