THE 130th Mathoe Robe-Weaving Ceremony and the 48th Procession of the 28 Buddha images will be held at the Shwesandaw Pagoda in Twantay Township on the 14th waxing day and the full moon day of Tazaungmone, according to U Aye Ko, Chairman of the Shwesandaw Pagoda Board of Trustees.

The Mathoe Robe-Weaving Ceremony will involve seven weaving teams, and the robes will be presented to the Buddha images at designated temples within the Shwesandaw Pagoda compound at 4:30 am on the full moon day of Tazaungmone.

“This year, the Mathoe Robe-Weaving Ceremony will not be held as a competition, allowing participants to weave the robes in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. As in previous years, the Amara, Sambula, Suchita, Maddi Devi, Gotami, Sujata, and Papavadi looms will be featured. The robes will be offered to the main Buddha image as well as other designated Buddha images around the pagoda,” said U Aye Ko.

The seven looms will be operated by Shan women from four Shan villages in Twantay Township, namely Shansugyi, two villages at Nyaungdaga, Nkhonemasan, Shwesandaw, and Kunggyi. At 2 pm on the full moon day of Tazaungmone, 28 Buddha images will be carried in a procession around the city and nearby neighbourhoods. — ASH/TH