Rain and fog halt nighttime balloon launches on sixth day of Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Festival

Due to light rain and heavy fog on the evening of November 3—the sixth day of the Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Hot-Air Balloon Festival being held in Southern Shan State—nighttime competition balloons were unable to take off, according to reports.

At around 10 p.m. on November 3, after one large nighttime competition balloon was launched, rain began to fall in Taunggyi, Southern Shan State. Throughout the day, light showers persisted, and by evening, thick fog settled over the Awayar balloon field, preventing further launches.

Since November 1, bad weather has disrupted the festival, making it impossible to release nighttime competition balloons for three consecutive days.

“On the night of November 1, it rained heavily for about half an hour—people had to run for cover. The rain came so suddenly that there wasn’t even time to escape. It has been raining off and on ever since. On November 3, light rain fell around 11 a.m., again in the afternoon, and then after 6 p.m. After that, fog covered the field, so no balloons could be launched. The same thing happened the previous night—after 9:30 p.m., fog rolled in and blanketed the whole area. Around 11 p.m., it started drizzling again, and some people went home. The launches couldn’t continue. It’s uncertain whether we can fly tonight, and it’s not clear yet if the festival days will be extended,” said a local resident.

Because no nighttime balloon launches have been possible for three straight days, organizers are reportedly considering extending the festival schedule.

With only one day left before the full moon of Tazaungmone (November 4), the Southern Shan State Traditional Hot-Air Balloon Artists Association has not yet announced how it plans to proceed with the remaining competition balloons.