Head to Chennai's ECR this weekend to enjoy hot air balloon spectacle
Out of the balloons that were inflated and made to float just above human height, the crowd pleasers were the specially shaped Wes the Wolf from the United Kingdom, Hugo the Cheetah from Austria, and Cameron from Belgium hot air balloons.
Visual from 10th Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival (Photo: Hemanathan)
CHENNAI: It was a sight to behold as around 10 vibrant hot air balloons from eight countries were displayed during the launch of the 10th edition of the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival (TNIBF) on Friday morning at Thiruvidanthai along the East Coast Road.
Hot air balloons were brought in from various countries such as Austria, Brazil, Thailand, and Vietnam, said Tourism Minister R Rajendran at the inaugural event. Minister TM Anbarasan and IAS officers Dr Chandra Mohan B and Shilpa Prabhakar Satish were present, too.
Out of the balloons that were inflated and made to float just above human height, the crowd pleasers were the specially shaped Wes the Wolf from the United Kingdom, Hugo the Cheetah from Austria, and Cameron from Belgium hot air balloons. Another attraction at the event is the mini balloon models where visitors can learn about the mechanisms of the lighter-than-air aircraft.
The hot air balloon event in Chennai will have only ground activities, with no take-offs, unlike in Pollachi and Madurai. However, tethered rides may take place at the Thiruvidanthai venue, if the weather permits, the organisers noted.
“In Madurai, we will have free flying at the Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu arena," said Benedict Savio, Founder of TNIBF and Event Director, Global Media Box, adding that this is the first time the event is being held in Madurai.
Giving an insight into the workings of hot air balloon events, Benedict Savio described them as spectator events entirely dependent on nature. "Calm winds and favourable weather are critical for safe operations. Certified pilots make all decisions regarding flight and tethering as hot air balloons are classified as aircraft and operate under strict civil aviation rules and regulations," he explained.
Balloon pilots from around the globe descend on city
Making his debut at TNIBF is Roman Serbincik, an Austrian hot air balloon pilot with over 30 years of experience, who flew Hugo, the cheetah-shaped balloon. "Austria’s main hot air balloon festival season runs from May to October, but we travel around the globe throughout the year," the pilot who has flown in 10-12 countries shared.
The hardest part of flying a hot air balloon is the landing process, said Ashley who will be flying the six-year-old Wes the Wolf at the festival. "Flying a hot air balloon is like sailing. One of the best memories in my 19-year-long career is when I flew my hot air balloon across countries from England to France, which only took an hour," he recalled. Ashley added that he had spent a whole year learning to fly hot air balloons.
Koen Audebaert is a regular at the festival now. Visiting for the third time with his Cameron Balloon, the pilot who has 35 years of experience highlighted that a major challenge is transporting gas cylinders on aeroplanes.
Further, he shared, “In Europe, our ballooning season runs from March to October, and we fly daily with 24 baskets. We travel internationally during winter."
The hot air balloon community is like a small family, he said, with friends found from all over the world. "My team consists of two members supported by locals who despite being new to ballooning, are doing a fabulous job,” Koen added.
The launch event also saw students and children who flocked to Thiruvidanthai early in the morning. "Though we had our exams today, some of us were fortunate enough to witness this spectacle. We didn’t have many expectations, but being here has turned out to be a wonderful experience," said a student from Little Flower School in Kundrathur.
How long will the festival continue
Chennaiites can view the hot air balloon display during the weekend until January 12. Pollachi will host it on January 14-16, and then Madurai on January 18-19. Unlike in Pollachi and Madurai, Chennai will host only ground activities, with no take-offs. Tethered rides may take place, if the weather permits, the organisers noted, where the balloons will be tethered approx 50 ft above the ground.
Entry is free for children under 12, while tickets are priced at Rs 200 for those aged 12 and above.
Timings of the festival: 3.30 pm to 9.30 pm
