Hsu/Saint San Yay (NSS) - September 30

This year’s Taunggyi Tazaun­gdaing Hot-Air Balloon Festival could be the busiest since the traditional event resumed three years ago, a source familiar with the festival told The Statesman Journal. 

“Compared with previous years, this year will be the busiest. Before 2021, the festival was normally crowded. Including this year, the festival has been held for three years since it resumed. This year is expected to be the busiest,” the source said.

Beyond recreational visitors, more people who value and appreciate the festival’s traditions are expected to attend this year.

“As the country moves toward peace, people want to go out and relax while celebrating their traditional culture. Therefore, I think this year’s festival will attract a larger crowd,” the source said.

This year’s festival will feature two- and four-legged balloons, animal and character shapes, night-glowing giant balloons, and diamond-shaped balloons known as Sein Nar Pan. Organizers expect more than 60 additional balloons compared to last year.

“There will be more balloons this year, including two-legged, four-legged and character-shaped balloons, as well as giant night-glowing balloons and Sein Nar Pan balloons. The number of character-shaped balloons will increase by approximately 40 to 50, while around 10 to 15 additional giant night-glowing balloons will participate. Overall, the total number of balloons will increase by more than 60,” the source said.

About five renowned master balloon makers who were unable to participate last year are expected to return for this year’s festival.

“Some balloon masters who were absent in previous years are returning this year. This is one of the notable features of the festival. This year, however, well-known balloon masters are returning, with around five expected to take part,” the source said. –