From November 8-15, over a hundred traditionally-made paper balloons will be launched into the sky above Shan state, eastern Myanmar, in celebration of Tazaungdaing, or festival of lights.
This annual celebration will see large papier-mâché hot air balloons of different shapes and sizes launched in the afternoon from the festival grounds near Taunggyi, the capital of Shan state.
In addition, after sunset at 20.00, fire balloons will be launched. Once these fire balloons reach the height of 20m, fireworks attached to the balloons will explode into the night sky.
There will be specially-marked areas for foreign tourists to enjoy the launching of balloons from a safe distance. Moreover, the festival field will be filled with locals milling about for food, drinks and games. In a country where 84 per cent of households have no electricity, rides at the festival, such as the ferris wheel, are run without electricity.
Next year’s edition will be held from October 29-November 3, 2017.
