Htamanè

Htamanè is a traditional specialty consisting of glutinous rice, coconut shavings, peanuts, ginger, sesame seeds, water, and groundnut oil. The preparation of this savory snack is a communal activity that's associated with the annual Htamanè Festival, a rice harvest festival held around the Full Moon Day of the lunar month of Tabodwè (February). During this festivity, htamanè is prepared in large quantities to satisfy a large number of people. Teams of htamanè-makers participate in competitions that are traditionally held throughout the whole country as part of the rice festival. The participants cook the dish by vigorously stirring the rice mixture in huge woks with wooden paddles over an open fire. Traditionally, the snack is first used as a religious offering to the Buddha at pagodas and monasteries, and then the rest of the rice combination is distributed to family members, friends, and neighbors.