Min Aung Hlaing leads lavish Matho robe donation

Myanmar’s military leader presented ceremonial robes to a Buddhist monument on Wednesday morning during a traditional full moon observance in the capital. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing donated 15 sets of golden lotus garments woven by regional teams to the Maravijaya Buddha Image as part of the annual Tazaungdine festivities.

Workers transported the ritual clothing from a central plaza to the statue platform while religious groups chanted Pali verses honoring Buddhist teachings. The textiles were arranged on gilded trays after being folded multiple times. The military chief placed food offerings, floral arrangements, and lighted lamps at the monument before draping the handcrafted robes on the carved figure. Officials and their spouses joined the merit-sharing ceremony at the site, which houses the world’s tallest marble Buddha sculpture.

Buddhist communities across Myanmar follow the custom of completing robe production between sunset and sunrise during the Tazaungmone lunar period. Weavers begin work the evening before the full moon and finish all fabric preparation by daybreak to present finished garments at temples. The practice continues annually at religious sites throughout the country.