October 04, 2019
Myanmar traditional lantern makers at Salin and Sinphyukyun towns of Magway Region said they are witnessing a high demand ahead of the Thadingyut Light Festival.
“We need to collect bamboos and trim them for raw drawing. Later, we have to mold them into desired shapes and attach colored paper to the shaped lanterns. Lantern toy makers make various shapes such as rabbits, elephants, peacocks, airplanes, cars, ships, and other animal shapes. The prices range between K500 and K2,500, depending on the size and quality. The handmade lantern toys are usually sold in crowded places, including night markets, pagodas, and playgrounds. We can earn from K25,000 to K30,000 per day,” said U Aung Min, a lantern maker from Salin Town.
Although China-made lanterns are flowing into the market, the residents of Magway Region are likely to buy Myanmar traditional handmade lantern toys instead of Chinese lanterns, said lantern makers.
The Thadingyut festival, known as the Lighting Festival of Myanmar, is usually celebrated for three days — before the full moon day, on full moon day, and the day after. During the festival, pagodas, temples, and monasteries are crowded with pilgrims, and people light candles around and illuminate pagodas and homes. In keeping with the culture and tradition of Myanmar, people go round paying respects to grandparents, parents, teachers, and elderly relatives.—Soe Moe Thu (Salin) (Translated by La Wonn)
Photo: Soe Moe Thu (Salin)
