Women compete in a robe weaving competition.

Tazaungdine marks the thanksgiving season for Myanmar Buddhists. The festival of lights is celebrated throughout the country on the night of the full moon and the night before, which is the day of the robe weaving competition.

The season it traditionally a time of concerts and shows attracting teenagers but this year robe weaving competitions at many famous pagodas throughout Yangon attracted their own fair share of teens.

The Matho Thingan robe weaving competition, or “non-stale” robe weaving competition takes its name from the fact that if a weaver exceeds the time limit, the garment is considered ‘stale’. A ceremonial garment is woven all at once within the time period. Gotama Buddha’s foster mother, Gotami, started weaving and offering Matho-thingan in Buddha’s lifetime. Myanmar kings and people observe this event as their tradition by holding Matho-thingan weaving competitions on the night of the full moon of Tazaungmon.

“The rules are the same as last year. (Contestants) must weave 2/80 fabric between 86 inches and 94 inches. The first group to finish will not get first prize, as we deduct marks for mistakes,” said Daw Htar Htar, expert officer from Mayangone township and referee at the 25th robe weaving competition at Shwedagon Pagoda.

Nine groups of six competed, each with a loom named after flowers. All competitors came to Shwedagon Pagoda prior to the contest to practise and learn the contest rules.

“Though there are six members in each group, only three contestants (weaver, sparer and mechanic) may stay on the loom, while the others stay behind the loom. When the loom pauses, the mechanic must hurry to make repairs while the others wait,” said Daw Than Than Aye, assistant manager from Industry Zone (1).

“As more young people show up at the loom contest and at pagodas, I’m pleased to see they can incorporate our culture into their lives,” said Daw Hla Yin, a referee and trainer for contestants.

“This is the third year I have come to cheer on the competitors, and I see the crowds getting younger and younger. Winning is not as important as experiencing solidarity during the competition. Besides, it’s amusing to watch the competitors,” said Ma Nandar Aye, 16, from Yankin township.

Though there was no pizza, hamburgers or donuts at the row of stalls, foreigners, teenagers and children alike were crowded around the snack vendors who were selling treats such as steamed sticky rice with fried fish and glutinous rice cooked in green bamboo sticks.

“This is the fourth time our group has come to cheer on the loom competition. While we like rock or hip-hop stage concerts, we thought that we should also do something specific for our culture,” said Ko Kyaw Zay Yar, 25, from Bahan township.

Ma Zin Mar Aye, who came from Shan State said “It’s my first time watching a weaving competition. What a beautiful night!” adding “I’m already excited for next year’s competition.”

At the 25th Matho Thingan weaving festival held at Shwedagon Pagoda the inngyin flower loom group won the first prize of K300,000. Second prize was K250,000 and went to tharaphy flower loom group, while myatlay flower group took home the third prize of K200,000. The final group received K150,000.