STORY: Thadingyut Festival celebrated across Myanmar
SHOOTING TIME: Oct. 17, 2024
DATELINE: Oct. 18, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:36
LOCATION: YANGON, Myanmar
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the celebrations at the People's Square and Park in Yangon
2. various of the celebrations at the Shwedagon Pagoda

STORYLINE:

As the clock struck 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, the sky above People's Square and Park in Yangon was transformed into a canvas of brilliant colors.
   
Fireworks burst into life, showering the night with sparkling lights, while the laughter and excitement of the crowd, along with the explosions of the fireworks, echoed through the air.
   
For about 10 minutes, the fireworks breathtakingly illuminated the night sky, marking the largest celebration of the Thadingyut Festival in Yangon on this full moon night.
   
Thousands gathered -- a vibrant mix of Buddhist monks, novices, nuns, and people from all walks of life -- united in celebration. Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein graced the event.
   
On this auspicious full moon day, families flocked to pagodas and monasteries, performing good deeds by taking precepts and offering food, flowers, candles, and incense to the Buddha.
   
Known as the Lighting Festival, Thadingyut marks the end of Buddhist Lent and celebrates the Buddha's descent from heaven. 

This year, many people in Myanmar enjoyed five days off for the festival, with jubilant celebrations echoing not just in Yangon but across the country.
   
The Thadingyut Festival in Myanmar is traditionally celebrated for three days, the day before the full moon, the full moon day, and the day after.

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