Mandalay- Colourful lanterns made by China are in good demand at the Mandalay market according to lantern shop owners.

For this year lighting festival, new design lanterns made from China entered Mandalay market and they are popular, according to Saw Kay Thi Nwe, wholesale shop owner of colourful lanterns and lights opened at Mandalay 78 street and 34 street corners.“For this year Thadingyut festival-which is also known as Festival of Lights-there are new lanterns made from China and new toys entered from China. The price is 10 percent higher compare with last year price as the Chinese currency rate is higher than previous year,” said Saw Kay Thi Nwe.The prices of Chinese made lanterns vary depending on sizes such as an 8 inches to 12 inches lantern costing Ks 1800 to Ks 2500 while 10 inches, 12 inches and 14 inches costs Ks 6500 to Ks 7500. The biggest 14 inches lantern cost Ks 5500 while locally produced Momoko lantern costs Ks 450 according to lantern vendors.The demand for raw material used in making Myanmar lanterns like bamboos and colorful papers also increased compare to the price from previous year. The price of bamboo now cost Ks 300 to Ks 400 last year but it has increased up to Ks 800 this year. Similarly, small wheels put in lanterns such as cars or ships designs, etc: are also costing higher from ks 10 to Ks 18 to Ks 25. Colorful paper were only Ks 50 to Ks 60 per sheet last year but it has now reached to Ks 60 to Ks 140. At present, designs such as bunny, car, airplane, ship and dice shape designs are in good demand in Mandalay lantern market. Specially ordered big designs are being made while medium and small scale lanterns’ cost vary from sizes and design. It may between Ks 1000 to higher than Ks 5000.As the time if near Thadingyut festival, lantern makers are busy making lanterns order from big and small cities. The traditional Myanmar lantern is a popular decoration for many houses in entire Myanmar especially when the Thadingyut festival is near. The end of Buddhist Lent is marked nationwide with the three-day “Thadingyut”