The Tazaungdine Festival in Taunggyi, located in the southern Shan State, will showcase a stunning display of over 150 hot air balloons, with 26 night-time display balloons, 24 Sein Nar Pan balloons, and more than 100 daytime balloons set to be released at Awaya field. According to the Association of Traditional Hot Air Balloon Artistes in Southern Shan State, these impressive displays will take place from 9 to 15 November, highlighting the art and skill of local balloon artisans.
This year’s Tazaungdine festival will feature meticulously planned displays of fireworks and colourful lights, with 50 combined night-time and Seinnapan balloons and a variety of over 100 different daytime balloons, including two-legged and four-legged figures. The event not only aims to celebrate the artistry of Shan balloon-making but also seeks to boost local tourism and promote local food and crafts.
An executive from the Traditional Hot Air Balloon Artistes Association stated, “This year, we are dedicated to preserving and showcasing our cultural traditions through the beauty and precision of hot air balloon displays and fireworks. We aim to attract more tourists to southern Shan State and provide a platform for local products”.
The festival is held annually at the Awaiya Field in Taunggyi. This traditional event was temporarily halted for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic but resumed in 2023. During the 2023 festival, a variety of spectacular balloons were released, creating a stunning display each day.
Throughout the festival period, a total of 63 giant night-time balloons were launched, including 15 balloons at 25 feet tall, 23 balloons at 22 feet, and 25 Sein Nar Pan balloons standing at 18 feet. These night balloons were released daily from 5:30 pm until the event concluded for the evening. Additionally, 63 daytime figure balloons were launched each day, consisting of 37 two-legged figure balloons, 17 four-legged figure balloons, and nine more enormous grouped figure balloons. These daytime releases took place between 1 pm and 4 pm, adding to the festival’s daytime festivities.
The annual Taunggyi Tazaungdine Hot Air Balloon Festival is a significant event that draws both locals from Shan State and visitors from various parts of Myanmar. International tourists are also captivated by this unique Shan tradition, which combines the beauty of elaborate hot air balloons with a lively cultural celebration.
— ASH/KZL
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