Sunday, November 17, 2024

Taunggyi Tazaungdine hot-air balloon festival ongoing

The 74th Tazaungdine Hot-Air Balloon Festival in Taunggyi is being held at the Awayar Balloon Field under the supervision of the Shan State government.

The festival runs from 11 to 17 November and features day and night hot air balloon competitions, fire lantern processions, traditional Mathoe robe-weaving contests, trade promotion events, and musical performances. Ongoing celebrations continued into the fifth day as of 15 November.

The Taunggyi Tazaungdine Hot-Air Balloon Festival originated in the Myanmar calendar year 1302 (1941) during the Tazaungmone month. It began with the abbot of Konetha Monastery leading the launch of a giant hot-air balloon, approximately 50 feet in diameter. By 1950, the festival had evolved into an annual competition, with awards given to participants.

In the Myanmar calendar year 1386 (2024), the traditional festival continues to be celebrated from 11 November onward. On the fifth day of the festival, participating teams launched 35 daytime decorative balloons, two Seinnaban balloons, and four grand nighttime balloons in a competitive display.

From 11 to 15 November, during the first five days of the festival, a total of 174 hot-air balloons were launched for competitions. That included 16 Seinnaban balloons, 17 grand nighttime balloons, and 139 daytime decorative balloons. The remaining balloons – six Seinnaban balloons, nine grand nighttime balloons, and 70 daytime decorative balloons, totalling 85 balloons — will be launched for competitions until the festival concludes on 17 November.

Shan State IPRD/TMT

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