Every year in October, the Thadingyut Festival takes place. It is one of the most special and meaningful festivals in Myanmar’s traditional calendar. Before the festival even arrives, people of all ages look forward to going back to their hometowns to reunite with family, show respect to loved ones, exchange gifts, light colorful lanterns, and make donations. However, while many people celebrate Thadingyut every year, not everyone knows why this festival began and its true purpose. This article will explain the traditions and meaning of the Thadingyut Festival, including why lights are lit during this time.

The Culture of Thadingyut

According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha returned to the human world on the full moon day of Thadingyut, after spending three months in heaven preaching the Abhidhamma to his mother. When he descended, humans, celestial beings, and Brahmas welcomed him with rows of oil lamps. From this story, the tradition of lighting lamps during Thadingyut was born. Aside from its religious background, Thadingyut is also seen as a time for reflection, forgiveness, and gratitude. People visit monks, parents, teachers, and elders to pay respect, apologize for any wrongs, and ask for forgiveness and blessings.

Why Do We Light?

The lights of Thadingyut are not just decorations. 

• They symbolize wisdom that drives away darkness, hope for the future, and respect to the Buddha. 
• Lighting candles, oil lamps, and lanterns at homes, streets, and pagodas also represents making merit and spreading goodwill. It is believed that these offerings bring peace, prosperity, and good fortune.

How People Celebrate

Different regions in Myanmar celebrate Thadingyut in unique ways, but the most cherished part is returning home and spending joyful time with family.

Religious offerings: People donate food, robes, and other items to monks and help the needy.

Food & sweets: Traditional Myanmar snacks and desserts are prepared and shared with neighbors and friends.

Festive gatherings: Pagoda festivals and fairs are held across the country. Children enjoy fireworks and sparklers, while adults release hot-air balloons into the night sky.

Thadingyut is more than just a festival of lights. It is a time of gratitude, unity, and generosity that strengthens family and community bonds. Passed down through generations, it remains one of Myanmar’s most treasured cultural heritages.