Myanmar celebrates Thadingyut with historic Sky Lantern Festival in Bagan
Myanmar's ancient city of Bagan hosted its first official Sky Lantern Festival from October 25 to 27, organized by the military tourism department. Around 1,000 paper lanterns were released each evening over the UNESCO World Heritage site, marking the Thadingyut Festival that ends Buddhist Lent and celebrates the Buddha's return from the celestial realm. The event attracted devotees nationwide for prayers, offerings, and family reunions.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1) · date de l'événement : 2026-10-25
Myanmar’s ancient city of Bagan hosted its first official Sky Lantern Festival from October 25 to 27, illuminating centuries-old temples with around 1,000 paper lanterns released each evening. The event was organized by the military authorities’ tourism department to attract visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The festival coincides with Thadingyut, also known as the Festival of Lights, which marks the end of Buddhist Lent, a three-month religious observance during the rainy season. It commemorates the Buddha’s return from the celestial realm after teaching his mother and is traditionally celebrated by lighting candles and lanterns.
Families and devotees from across Myanmar gathered to pray, make offerings, and participate in the three-day celebrations, which also serve as an occasion for family reunions and honoring elders.