THE 36th Matho Thingan (robe) Offering Ceremony and Samañaphala Day will take place at designated locations around the Shwedagon Pagoda on the eve of Tazaungmone full moon and the full moon day itself, as shared by U Bo Thin, a member of the pagoda’s board of trustees.
“Devotional activities will begin with worship at the ancient Buddha statues by circumambulating the Pagoda the Pagoda at 6 pm on the evening before the Tazaungmone full moon (14 November). The opening of the robe weaving competition will be held at the southwest corner of the Shwedagon Pagoda, followed by the awarding ceremony at 11 pm. The robes woven during the competition will then be crafted into the ‘golden lotus robes’. On the morning of 15 November, the full moon day, the golden lotus robe will be ceremoniously presented to the Padamyar Myetshin Buddha image on the upper terrace, along with other Buddha images throughout the pagoda,” U Bo Thin stated.
Further, the Samañaphala Day alms offering to the Shwedagon Pagoda and its senior monks will commence at 5 pm in the southern guest hall. Paritta chanting ceremonies are scheduled for 6 am.
Preparations are also underway to accommodate pilgrims attending the Matho Thingan Lotus Robes Offering and Samañaphala Day ceremonies, allowing them to spend the night at the Shwedagon Pagoda. — ASH/MKKS
