Opening of Mathoe-Thingan Weaving : Kachin State Chief Minister attended the event

The opening ceremony for the first-ever Mathoe-Thingan or Non-Stale Robe Weaving Competition, the offering of a thousand oil lamps, and the Charity Bazaar, held as part of the historic Aung Zay Yan Aung  Pagoda's Tazaungdaing Festival in Myitkyina, Kachin State, was jointly organized by the Kachin State Young Men's Buddhist Association (YMBA) and the Myitkyina Township YMBA.

The opening ceremony took place on the evening of November 3rd, attended by State Chief Minister U Khet Htein Nan and his wife, the Commander of the North-Command and his wife, and other officials.

First, at the pagoda platform, the participating loom stations from Myitkyina, YMBA members, guests, and judging panellists took their designated positions. The ceremony was then opened with the recitation of "Namo Tassa" three times and paying homage to the Buddha, presided over by the Presiding Sayadaw of Aung Zay Yan Aung Tat Oo  Monastery, Venerable Dr. Uttama Siri .

Following this, the Patron of the Kachin State YMBA and Commander of the North-Command, Major General Aung Zaw Htwe, delivered the opening address. YMBA Secretary U Kyi Htay then provided details about the festival and presented commemorative certificates to the State Chief Minister, the Commander, senior military officers, and the State Minister for Ethnic Affairs, who had contributed to the festival. Judge U Aung Myint explained the competition rules and regulations.

Subsequently, the festival was officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by Venerable Dr. Uttama Siri, the State Chief Minister, the Commander, the State Minister for Ethnic Affairs, and the YMBA Secretary. They then toured the venue with interest, observing the Non-Stale Golden Lotus Robe weaving competition among the participating weaving associations, alongside local residents and traditional musical bands.

It is reported that the State Chief Minister, the Commander, and officials also toured the Charity Bazaar set up within the pagoda grounds, observing and encouraging the food stalls serving traditional Myanmar cuisine and the ongoing offering of a thousand oil lamps.