Lotus Lantern Festival 2013

Buddha's birthday falls on May 17th this year. The city was primed for the festivities by lighting of the lantern in the Gwanghwamun square on April 23rd, and the display of the lanterns in the Cheonggyechon stream and in the Bongyeunsa and Jogyesa Temples.

Lanterns are an important part of the Buddhist beliefs symbolising wisdom to the world. Huge, colorful lanterns made of Hanji  paper, beautiful girls dancing in pretty hanboks, cute kids carrying lanterns with enthusiasm, makes-me-want-to-dance rhythmic music from the instruments, comfortable seats for the spectators arranged by the city :) and perfect spring weather to watch the show! Just perfect.

The parade started at 7PM from the Heunginjium gate from Dongdaemun and moved towards the Jogyesa Temple. Just outside the Jongno 3-ga station was a perfect place to watch the parade.

Some lanterns were so huge that they had to be moved by trucks

Pretty rainbow colored hanboks of the dancers in the festival

Lanterns in captivating designs

White dragon which breathes fire was one of three. See the dragon from last year's parade here.

Colourful butterfly lanterns looked oh! so pretty.

Really huge tortoise-guy lantern

Pretty girls in delicate hanboks

Wonderful sight or what!

Round lanterns

School kids performing with the lanterns

The Buddha lantern for the Buddha's Birthday

Reminds me of light sabers :)

Laughing Buddha with a bow :)

Float from Tibet

Just to add a bit of fun!

Two wheeler-powered lantern float

Yet another beautiful lantern float!