Thousands of Lanterns Light Up Ancient Temples in Myanmar's Bagan at First Official Sky Lantern Festival

Hundreds of glowing lanterns floated into the night sky above the centuries-old temples and pagodas of Bagan, Myanmar's ancient city. Thousands of people gathered there from across the country to celebrate the Thadingyut festival.

Thadingyut is known as Myanmar's Festival of Lights. It marks the end of Buddhist Lent, a three-month period of religious observance during the rainy season. This year's celebrations ran for three days, from 25 to 27 October.

During the festival, families released paper lanterns over the ancient temples. Devotees who had travelled from across the country prayed, made offerings and took part in the three days of celebrations.

This was the first time Bagan hosted an official Sky Lantern Festival. It was organised by the military authorities' tourism department. Around 1,000 lanterns were released each evening above the UNESCO World Heritage site to attract visitors.

Traditionally, Thadingyut commemorates the Buddha's return from the celestial realm after teaching his mother, and candles and lanterns are lit to mark the occasion.

The festival is also an occasion for family reunions and for honouring elders.