STORY: Myanmar's Thadingyut Festival embraces Chinese paper lanterns
SHOOTING TIME: Oct. 15, 2024
DATELINE: Oct. 16, 2024
LENGTH: 00:03:14
LOCATION: YANGON, Myanmar
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Chinese-made lanterns in shops in Yangon
2. various of lantern shops in Yangon
3. various of people shopping in street market in Yangon

STORYLINE:

As the full moon of Thadingyut draws near, people across Myanmar are busy preparing for the festival, decorating their homes and shops with colorful lanterns and returning to their native places for family reunion.

The festival, which marks the Buddha's descent from heaven, is a time of celebration and togetherness. Houses and pagodas glow with the warm light of lanterns, oil lamps and candles, both traditional and modern.

Stalls selling lanterns and other festive items have come alive in downtown Yangon. Some of these stalls are adorned with Chinese lanterns, with most products imported from China.

"Chinese products sell well because their quality is good. They offer a variety of designs and colors," said Ko Moe Kyaw, a stall owner.

"Three to four days before the festival, sales are at their peak. Customers not only buy lanterns but also Chinese-made hot air balloons, fireworks, and other festive items," he added.

The Thadingyut Festival in Myanmar is typically celebrated for three days -- the day before the full moon, the full moon day, and the day after. The full moon day of Thadingyut this year falls on Thursday.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Yangon, Myanmar.
(XHTV)