The 10 th edition of the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival (TNIBF) was kick-started over the skies of Pollachi of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday (January 14, 2025).
The event is being held at three prominent locations: Chennai from January 10-12, Pollachi from January 14-16, and Madurai from January 18-19.
Hot air balloon pilots from various countries flew down to Tamil Nadu for this three-day event. “Hot air balloon festivals are spectator events that are entirely dependent on nature. Calm winds and favourable weather are critical for safe operations. All decisions regarding flight and tethering are made by certified pilots,” said Benedict Savio, founder, TNIBF, and event director, Global Media Box.
This is the first time that the event is being hosted in Madurai.
Photo:
M. Periasamy
Hot air balloons from all over the world – including the US, Thailand, UK, Austria, France, Brazil, Vietnam, and Belgium – adorned the skies over Pollachi in Coimbatore district
Photo:
M. Periasamy
Over the past decade, the balloon festival has been a key event in Tamil Nadu’s tourism calendar, as it is recognised as the only annual hot air balloon festival in India.
Photo:
M. Periasamy
The balloons feature iconic shapes like that of Baby Monster (Brazil), Hugo the Cheetah (Austria), Wes the Wolf, and Eli the Elephant (UK)
Photo:
M. Periasamy
The TNIBF is conducted by the State Tourism department in collaboration with Global Media Box.
Photo:
M. Periasamy
Hot air balloon festivals attract large crowds worldwide.
Photo:
M. Periasamy
The festival will continue till January 16 at Kongu City in Achipatti near Pollachi, after which it will head to Madurai from January 18 to 19, at the Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu arena. The festival was inaugurated in Chennai on January 10.
Published – January 15, 2025 02:56 pm IST
