Tazaungdaing Festival: Illuminating Burma's Night Sky

To mark the end of the rainy season in Burma, the most beautiful fire balloons and multicoloured lanterns are released on the eighth month of the Buddhist calendar to signify and illuminate the path back to earth.

To mark the end of the rainy season in Burma, the most beautiful fire balloons and multicoloured lanterns are released on the eighth month of the Buddhist calendar to signify and illuminate the path back to earth.

Travel photographer Claudio Sieber, 34, captured the stunning images in November last year when he visited Taunggyi in Myanmar.

He said: “Tazaungdaing is Shan State’s biggest event.

“Locals await the festival with excitement and one can feel this magical moment.

“The festival lasted for around three days and had approximately five to 10,000 visitors.”

The bright lights commemorate the day when Buddha returned from the visit of his mother’s reincarnated spirit.

And the festival also signals the end of the Kathina period – during which monks are given new robes and alms.

“There are weaving contests, wooden carousels, feasts and games to enjoy,” Claudio added.

“The teams play traditional instruments and drums whilst bringing their hot air balloons to the launching point. Around 10 were released last year.

“The crowd then awaits in astonishment for the fireworks to explode and usually there is a pack adjusted to the hot air balloons so after around 50 metres of altitude, the fireworks start launching in all directions.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the event, but Claudio warns there are safety concerns surrounding the lighting process.

He said: “Almost every year, an accident takes place because a hot air balloon catches fire and drops away whilst the firework remains shooting in all directions.

“But as everywhere in Myanmar, locals are welcoming foreigners with excitement.

“Seeing the hot air balloon rising high over the full moon still shooting fireworks is a magical moment too.”