Tazaungdaing Light Festival / Hot Air Balloon Festival, Myanmar

Every November, people crowd to Taunggyi to witness the magnificent view of the hot-air balloons in the sky. During the day, the balloons that fly are pagoda-themed; at nighttime, visitors get to see animal-shaped balloons. Locals also light candles and fireworks as a part of the celebration. Locals use bamboo frames and mulberry-paper sheaths to build the balloons. Local belief holds that the balloons are intended to help guide the Buddha back to earth, as the season marks his return from his three-month sojourn in heaven. (Myanmar Tourism Ministry)