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Dressed to the nines in crisp, colorful attire, hundreds gathered Feb. 21 to celebrate Chin National Day.

The holiday celebrates the 1948 adoption of a democratic government in Myanmar’s Chin State. Modern iterations of the event aim to showcase traditional dress, music, dance and food. 

The event was held on the south side at Chin Evangelical Baptist Church Indy Life Center, a cultural and religious hub for Indy’s Chin community, which is comprised of around 35,000 people, according to the Chin Community Center of Indiana.

See photos captured by photojournalist Ted Somerville.

Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.

Ted Somerville is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach him at tedsomphoto@gmail.com.

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Traditional Chin dress: A celebration of culture and pride

by Ted Somerville, Mirror Indy
February 23, 2026

<h1>Traditional Chin dress: A celebration of culture and pride</h1> <p class="byline">by Ted Somerville, Mirror Indy <br />February 23, 2026</p> <br /> <figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS19-1024x671.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74079" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reverend Sang Hre (center) says a closing prayer at the end of a Chin National Day celebration.</figcaption></figure> <p>Dressed to the nines in crisp, colorful attire, hundreds gathered Feb. 21 to celebrate Chin National Day.</p> <p>The holiday celebrates the 1948 adoption of a democratic government in Myanmar’s Chin State. Modern iterations of the event aim to showcase traditional dress, music, dance and food.&nbsp;</p> <p>The event was held on the south side at Chin Evangelical Baptist Church Indy Life Center, a cultural and religious hub for Indy's Chin community, which is comprised of around 35,000 people, according to the Chin Community Center of Indiana.</p> <p>See photos captured by photojournalist Ted Somerville.</p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery alignfull is-style-rectangular"> <div class=""> <div class="tiled-gallery__gallery"> <div class="tiled-gallery__row"> <div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:24.50071%"> <figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img alt="" data-height="2500" data-id="74085" data-link="https://mirrorindy.org/exp-chin-natl-day-photos_ts25-jpg/" data-url="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS25-682x1024.jpg" data-width="1664" src="https://i0.wp.com/mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS25-682x1024.jpg?ssl=1" data-amp-layout="responsive" /></figure> </div> <div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:26.43914%"> <figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img alt="" data-height="2500" data-id="74089" data-link="https://mirrorindy.org/exp-chin-natl-day-photos_ts29-jpg/" data-url="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS29-736x1024.jpg" data-width="1796" src="https://i0.wp.com/mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS29-736x1024.jpg?ssl=1" data-amp-layout="responsive" /></figure> </div> <div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:24.53008%"> <figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img alt="" data-height="2500" data-id="74086" data-link="https://mirrorindy.org/exp-chin-natl-day-photos_ts26-jpg/" data-url="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS26-682x1024.jpg" data-width="1666" src="https://i0.wp.com/mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS26-682x1024.jpg?ssl=1" data-amp-layout="responsive" /></figure> </div> <div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:24.53008%"> <figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img alt="" data-height="2500" data-id="74091" data-link="https://mirrorindy.org/exp-chin-natl-day-photos_ts31-jpg/" data-url="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS31-682x1024.jpg" data-width="1666" src="https://i0.wp.com/mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS31-682x1024.jpg?ssl=1" data-amp-layout="responsive" /></figure> </div> </div> <div class="tiled-gallery__row"> <div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:54.02322%"> <figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img alt="" data-height="2500" data-id="74084" data-link="https://mirrorindy.org/exp-chin-natl-day-photos_ts24-jpg/" data-url="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS24-802x1024.jpg" data-width="1958" src="https://i0.wp.com/mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS24-802x1024.jpg?ssl=1" data-amp-layout="responsive" /></figure> </div> <div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:45.97678%"> <figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img alt="" data-height="2500" data-id="74090" data-link="https://mirrorindy.org/exp-chin-natl-day-photos_ts30-jpg/" data-url="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS30-682x1024.jpg" data-width="1666" src="https://i0.wp.com/mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS30-682x1024.jpg?ssl=1" data-amp-layout="responsive" /></figure> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS21-1024x895.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74081" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Joanna Cing (left) looks off while Cing Muang (right) puts on a traditional headdress.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS22-1024x728.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74082" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A group of friends have their portrait taken outside the church after the end of the celebration.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS01-682x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74061" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A couple walks to the entrance of Chin Evangelical Baptist Church on Feb. 21, 2026, for a celebration recognizing the 78th Chin National Day, on the south side of Indianapolis.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS02-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74062" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees of a Chin National Day celebration enter Chin Evangelical Baptist Church on Feb. 21, 2026, on the south side of Indianapolis.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS03-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74063" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dancers perform a traditional Chin dance during a celebration of the 78th Chin National Day.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS06-1024x686.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74066" style="aspect-ratio:1.4927436074637181" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Van Tha watches a performance.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS17-1024x668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74077" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees of a Chin National Day celebration enjoy a performance.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS07-1024x711.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74067" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Participants of the fashion show pose at the end of the runway during a celebration of the 78th Chin National Day.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS05-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74065" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees of a celebration of the 78th Chin National Day enjoy a performance.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS08-1024x938.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74068" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A decorative piece sits on the front of the stage at Chin Evangelical Baptist Church during a celebration of the 78th Chin National Day.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS04-1024x706.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74064" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hlei Thang watches a performance during a celebration of the 78th Chin National Day.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS09-682x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74069" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Miss Myanmar USA pageant winner Martha Taung Gyi has her portrait taken during a celebration of the 78th Chin National Day.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS10-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74070" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees of a Chin National Day celebration wait in line to have their picture taken in front of a photo background set up for the event.</figcaption></figure> <div class="wp-block-columns alignwide"> <div class="wp-block-column"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS12-1024x777.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74072" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dancers perform during the celebration.</figcaption></figure> </p></div> <div class="wp-block-column"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS13-1024x749.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74073" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nancy Hlui performs a dance during the celebration.</figcaption></figure> </p></div> </p></div> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS14-1024x725.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74074" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Isak Tluang looks at a phone while seated in the crowd.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS16-682x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74076" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Salai Bawi Tha Thawng holds his son Nathan Biak Cung Thawng in the crowd during the celebration.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS20-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74080" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Participants of a group dance hold hands in a circle at the end of the celebration.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS18-717x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74078" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Marine Sargent Tun Khai (left) talks with Elaisa Vahnie, the founder of the Burmese American Community Institute, during the celebration.</figcaption></figure> <div class="wp-block-columns alignfull"> <div class="wp-block-column"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS23-691x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74083" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Leng Za Cung has his portrait taken.</figcaption></figure> </p></div> <div class="wp-block-column"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS27-725x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74087" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Emily Par has her portrait taken outside the church.</figcaption></figure> </p></div> <div class="wp-block-column"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS28-682x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74088" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tech Slaughter has his portrait taken outside of Chin Evangelical Baptist Church.</figcaption></figure> </p></div> </p></div> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EXP-CHIN-NATL-DAY-PHOTOS_TS15-1024x740.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74075" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Lungngam family has their portrait taken.</figcaption></figure> <p><em>Ted Somerville is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach him at tedsomphoto@gmail.com.</em></p> <p>This &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://mirrorindy.org/chin-national-day-photos/&quot;&gt;article&lt;/a&gt; first appeared on &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://mirrorindy.org&quot;&gt;Mirror Indy&lt;/a&gt; and is republished here under a &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/&quot;&gt;Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;img src=&quot;https://i0.wp.com/mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cropped-Mirror-Indy-square-logo-1.png?resize=150%2C150&amp;amp;ssl=1&quot; style=&quot;width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;&quot;&gt;&lt;img id=&quot;republication-tracker-tool-source&quot; src=&quot;https://mirrorindy.org/?republication-pixel=true&amp;post=74104&amp;amp;ga4=G-X0R0QW371R&quot; style=&quot;width:1px;height:1px;&quot;&gt;&lt;script&gt; PARSELY = { autotrack: false, onload: function() { PARSELY.beacon.trackPageView({ url: &quot;https://mirrorindy.org/chin-national-day-photos/&quot;, urlref: window.location.href }); } } &lt;/script&gt; &lt;script id=&quot;parsely-cfg&quot; src=&quot;//cdn.parsely.com/keys/mirrorindy.org/p.js&quot;&gt;&lt;/script&gt;</p> Copy to Clipboard

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