The Mon Literature and Culture Committee in Yangon has announced it will offer a Traditional Mon Costume Sewing Training Course, taught free of charge.
The committee’s Chairperson, Dr Min Khin Sein, said the training is being organised to preserve traditional Mon clothing styles and the symbolic features of Mon costumes, as original handmade designs are gradually disappearing amid changing fashion trends.
“This training will teach participants how to sew original Mon traditional costumes for both men and women. We also plan to teach costumes used in Mon traditional paired dances. We are opening this course for the first time with the aim of preserving Mon traditional sewing methods, so they do not disappear. There will be no tuition fee. It will be completely free,” he said.
The training will be held every Saturday and Sunday from June 6 to July 26 at the Mon Dhamma Hall on Shwedagon Pagoda Road, south entrance of Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.
The course will accept 20 trainees and will be provided free of charge, according to Dr Min Khin Sein.
Those interested in attending must already have basic sewing skills and are required to register with the Yangon Mon Literature and Culture Committee by June 15, 2026 (Monday).
The committee also encouraged younger generations to value, study, and preserve Mon traditional costumes, describing them as an important part of Mon cultural heritage and ethnic identity.
In addition, although designs continue to evolve with the times, Dr Min Khin Sein emphasised that it is important for Mon people to work together to preserve the original traditional patterns, decorations, and meanings so they are not lost.
“Wherever we are, we need to continue preserving our authentic traditional culture. As everyone can see now, many people are moving away from the original Mon traditional costume designs and sewing them differently. This could eventually lead to the disappearance of genuine Mon traditional costume styles. Before that happens, all Mon people need to continue preserving them,” he said.
The Mon Literature and Culture Committee in Yangon is a committee that has been carrying out annual youth, cultural, and educational activities to help preserve Mon literature, language, traditional culture, and artistic heritage.
