Tazaungdaing hot air balloon festival, known as the light festival, is one of the fascinating activities that have attracted the participation of many visitors to Myanmar every November
On full moon day of Tazaungmon, the eighth month of the Burmese calendar, the hot air balloon festival attracts people from all over Myanmar and foreign tourists to Taunggyi, Shan's mountainous province. This event also means to mark the end of the rainy season in November. Although some similar festivals are also taking place in other provinces, Taunggyi is the first name appeared in mind when people think of the light festival due to its large scale. It is a reason why people also name it as " Taunggyi Festival ".
Taunggyi Tazaungdaing festival is an explosive combination of music, hot air balloons and light. In the main area, the teams in competition will in turn drop the hot air balloons that have been prepared carefully in the night sky. Cheering, drumming, and singing, dancing cheer when each team appears. Myanmar's flag is also raised for the patriotism of the people.
The balloons which fly into the sky sometimes carry fireworks, sometimes are filled with colorful Buddha-shaped candles. According to the concept of Myanmar people, hot air balloons with different colors, sizes and designs are released into the sky to symbolize the beautiful gifts offered to the Buddha above.
The space of Taunggyi festival is immense. Next to main area where the competition is held, right from the entrance, there are many shops selling local products, stores of big brands to promote products, or party stalls where stage to set up for bands to serve visitors. People can also participate in moderate-thrilling games such as flying mats, spacecraft and especially the roundabout with human power.