Traditional robe-weaving contests were organized at famous pagodas across the country yesterday, on the eve of the Full Moon Day of Tazaungmon.

At the Matho robe-weaving contest, a centuries-old tradition, participating teams make beautiful decorative robes for the Buddha statues in the temples. The teams that make the most beautiful robes win.

Tradition dictates that the weaving of the robes be completed in one evening, and that they be offered to the Buddha before dawn. If the weaving of a robe is delayed and cannot be completed, it is considered an unsuccessful attempt.

The most significant robe-weaving contest in Myanmar is the one held at the Great Shwedagon Pagoda. The 35th Matho robe-weaving contest was held yesterday at the pagoda, a national landmark of Myanmar. Nine teams took part in the event.

The ceremony was opened by Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein and members of the board of trustees of the pagoda.

A similar traditional event was also held at the Botahtaung Pagoda at 5 p.m. yesterday with the participation of 25 teams.

Meanwhile, the 22th robe-weaving ceremony was held at the Kaba Aye Pagoda in Mayangon Township yesterday evening. Seven teams of weavers took part in the competition. Officials viewed the work of the weaving teams at the looms yesterday evening.

The robes will be offered early tomorrow morning to Buddha images at the pagodas. — Ko Ko Zaw