Yarghu Festival in Bendigo

"Yarghu" is a food traditionally cooked by the ethnic Pa-O people.

The festival is a feast and gathering traditionally celebrated in the eleventh month of the Burmese calendar, and aimed to help people overcome misfortune or illness.

Yarghu (Hta Ma Ne in Burmese) food is an important part of the festival. Yarghu food is specially prepared by seven people with seven ingredients of glutinous rice, coconut slices, sesame seeds, peanuts, garlic, ginger and cooking oil. Long spoon utensils like oars are used to stir the food. Before eating, a small portion of the food is placed on the head. By doing so it is believed to create good fortune or luck.

People from all religions and cultures come together to celebrate the Yarghu festival. People say prayers for those who have suffered misfortune or illness.

Click here to download the program from the 2010 Yarghu festival.