Hot-Air Balloon Competition:

In conjunction with the Khatein ceremonies at Taunggyi is the Hot Air Ballon Competition.The festival is usually held a week before the full moon day of Tazaungmon (November). November is the month when the sky is clear and the weather is fair and a good time to keep alive our ancient tradition of constructing hot-air balloons from local materials. Balloons are made of bamboo frames and papier mache, what the locals call “Shan paper”, made from the mulberry plant. Some balloons are huge with fire crackers or lanterns. Some are of the shape of animals. Nowadays "balloons sending up competition" is also held during the festival.

“Initially, the youths of the town pay homage to Sulamuni Pagoda said to be in the abode of the Celestial Beings in heaven as a simple ceremony. Now this simple affair has become world famous.”Some balloons are very big with a diameter of about 30 feet. Day-time flying contest is a competition for the shape and design of balloons that take the figure of various animals. Night-time flying is competition for balloons with beautiful fire works. During the daytime competitions are held for various categories of hot air balloons; one-animal category; double animals; a group category etc.

Only the most experienced of hot-air balloon constructors can make a truly impressive balloons which will perform as expected. These masters are highly respected. Needless to say a good deal of energy, enthusiasm and money, as well as experience, goes into creating these monster balloons and the rewards are also substantial.