Festivals start on the eve of shinbyu called "a-hlu win" () with a "pwè" () an orchestra and dance/drama/comedy ensemble) and tea for the guests. In the middle of a street, a pandal or "mandat" () constructed from bamboo and papier-mâché with ornately painted gold and silver columns, pediments and finials has sprung up overnight. Sweets such as jaggery or cane sugar bars and "a-hlu lahpet" (), pickled tea laced with sesame oil encircled by small heaps of fried peas, peanuts and garlic, toasted sesame, crushed dried shrimps and shredded preserved ginger) are served with green tea. In towns and cities, assorted cakes, ice cream and coffee have superseded the traditional sweets but "lahpet" still holds centre stage.