Mathoe Robe Weaving Contest Tour

 
 

What is Mathoe Robe Weaving Contest?

The Mathoe Robe Weaving Contest is an all-night competition to produce the ritual garments that adorn Buddha statues in Myanmar after the end of the monsoon season.

Starting around 5 p.m. prominent pagodas across the country begin contests between teams of weavers to determine who can create the most splendid decorative robe for the Buddha statues that are enshrined in the temples. The teams work through the night to craft the long flowing robes for the statues around the country. Sometime before midnight, judges determine a winner based on the quality of the work and its length. The best garment is selected as the winner, but the festival does not end until well after dawn the next day. The winning team will spend the remaining hours until dawn adding decorations to their robe, and after the first rays of light break the horizon the winners lead a small procession around the pagoda for good fortune before wrapping the central Buddha image in the robe.

When is Mathoe Robe Weaving Contest?

The Mathoe Robe Weaving Contests coincide with the end of Myanmar’s Buddhist lent and the rainy season. The exact date coincides with the full moon of the eight month of Myanmar’s traditional lunar calendar. If you’re interested in attending this unique festival, our Travel Specialists can make the appropriate arrangements for your luxury tour of Myanmar.

Mathoe Robe Weaving Contest Highlights:

The Mathoe Robe Weaving Contest is a unique opportunity for cultural enthusiasts to experience an ancient Burmese tradition during their Myanmar tours. It’s a sight that should not be missed.

Where is Mathoe Robe Weaving Contest Celebrated?

The Mathoe Robe Weaving Contest is celebrated at large Buddhist temples across Myanmar, but the best known contests are held at the numerous pagodas in the cities of Mandalay and Yangon.

Appropriate Attire:

As the contest takes place inside a Buddhist Pagoda, it’s best to dress in modest clothing while attending.