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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 65716, member: 636"] Myanmar's Shwedagon Pagoda will host its 37th annual robe-weaving contest and religious ceremonies on November 3 and 4, according to trustee U Bo Thin. Devotees will circle the ancient shrine at 6 p.m. before nine teams compete to create ceremonial garments at the southwest corner. Winners will receive cash prizes ranging from 1.5 million to 4 million kyat after judges announce results at 11 p.m. Monks will receive the finished golden lotus robes at 5 a.m. on the full moon as part of traditional alms giving at the southern guest hall. Clergy will deliver sermons at 6 a.m., after which pilgrims will share merit with attendees. Officials arranged overnight shelters for visitors participating in the two-day festival. The woven robes will adorn Buddha statues across the pagoda's upper terrace and grounds. [/QUOTE]