Abstract

• People of Myanmar, like all other people in the world, celebrate special occasions and functions according to the races and traditions they belong to. The traditions and customs that come through the generations from those occasions and functions. Are of great importance in early years of the world, is was believed that theManau festival was celebrated only by celestial spirits such as Madaispirit (nat) and other of spirits (nats). At that time, human beings were incapable of celebrating Manau dances. Manau festival is a great religious ceremony and Nat dance which may be given by shaman who propitiates the Madai Nat- the nat of riches. The specific objectives are to explore the significances of processes in Manau festival, and to describe the interrelationships between socio-economic life and Manau festival. The study was conducted with qualitative methods. Key informants interview, undertake, direct observation and indirect observation, focus group discussion, and informal interview were conducted to collect data. The Manau festival is the largest and the most magnificent festival. Study their traditional ceremonies show that they are important events for Zaiwa (Azi) national’s socio-economic life, and socio-political life. Therefore, it can be said that Manau festival, despite being a religious functions, are important for the people’s socio-economic life and socio-political life. Spirit (nat) worship practice remains in the past while Christianity has taken its place. This makes some changes in Zaiwa (Azi) National’s culture, customs, beliefs, value standard, and ethnicity. Manau festival is the most spectacular and they form the occasions for many people region wide to have intimacy and to strengthen their ties and unity. Just as these festivals can give them a chance to meet old mates and friends, they can find new friends and acquaintances too.