THE 2024 Tazaungdine Hot-Air Balloon Festival is being held at Awayar Balloon Field in Taunggyi, under the supervision of the Shan State government. Running from 11 to 17 November, the event features a variety of activities, including daytime and nighttime hot-air balloon competitions, lantern processions, traditional Mathoe robe-weaving contests, trade promotion events, and musical performances. As of 17 November, the celebrations continued into their seventh day.

Visitors to the festival have shared their impressions of the lively event. Ma Aye Chan Moe, a local from Taunggyi Township, described her excitement: “I came to enjoy the hot-air balloon festival. During the day, you can see decorative balloons, and at night, there are grand nighttime balloons, including the stunning Diamond Earrings-shaped balloons. The daytime balloons were crafted into various shapes, such as two-legged or four-legged animals, and they were incredibly intricate and captivating. Watching them brought immense joy. The festival also was bustling market stalls, adding to the vibrant atmosphere”.

A male visitor shared his experience, saying: “The daytime balloons soaring into the sky were breathtaking. I saw balloons shaped as single figures, pairs, or even groups of three, designed as two-legged or four-legged creatures. Although some balloons caught fire during launching, the lively atmosphere and the audience’s excitement were unforgettable”.

Between 11 and 16 November, the festival saw 271 hot-air balloons launched as part of the competitions. These included 19 ‘Seinnaban’ Diamond Earrings-shaped balloons, 22 grand nighttime balloons, and 174 decorative daytime balloons. The remaining 42 balloons three ‘Seinnaban’ balloons, four grand nighttime balloons, and 35 daytime decorative balloons were launched before the festival concludes on 17 November.

Shan State IPRD/TMT

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