Episode 065: Sounds of Taunggyi | Fire Balloon Festival during Tazaungdaing

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Taunggyi is the 'cool' capital of Shan state in eastern Myanmar. Perched on a lush mountain ridge, it's home to Intha, Pa-O, and Shan ethnic tribes. Interact with its beautiful people, and natural scenery; the large city also has colorful markets and an assortment of Shan dishes to enjoy. The showstopper attraction here is the fire balloon festival that Taunggyi hosts at the Awayyar field, where thousands of enthusiasts from across the country gather to witness this unique event. The Taunggyi Fire Balloon Festival is an annual celebration and local competition during the Tazaungdaing 'Festival of Lights' month in Myanmar. Join in for this extravaganza that lasts anywhere from a week to ten days, where locals compete, showcasing their handcrafted fire balloons decorated with paintings and lanterns, and some of them paired with homemade pyrotechnics. Apart from makeshift rooftop lounges, karaoke bars, and street foods, there are human-powered amusement rides, and stalls selling a variety of produce to keep the vibe going. When you travel here, check the Myanmar local calendar for details about the opening and closing ceremony dates. Things to do when in Taunggyi: - Explore the Pa-O villages in the hills around - Visit Kakku - Wine tasting at Aythaya Vineyard ******* Show cover jingle courtesy of Icons8 Music by Nordgroove from Fugue Incidental music and background tunes include Myanmar songs and live chants at the festival, and photographs by Nikhil Shankar