Thadingyut, the festival of lights, is celebrated annually on the fullmoon day of the Burmese lunar month of Thadingyut, at the end of the Burmese lent. This year the festival will take place from October 7-9. The festivities last for three days: the day before full moon, the day during it and the day after it. During the festival, musical plays known as Zat Pwes, free movie shows and stage shows are performed on streets throughout the country. Food stalls are also set up selling a variety of traditional Myanmar food. Buddhists will usually visit pagodas and monasteries to pay their respects and make offerings. Young people will offer their respect to the elderly presenting them with gifts and food or new Longyi (the traditional cloth garment worn by Burmese people). Houses will also be decorated with an assortment of lanterns, candles and light bulbs. These elements combine to create a festive and unique atmosphere throughout Myanmar. The festival can be experienced at its most impressive in Yangon or at Inle Lake.
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