To boost leisure, adventure tourism and aviation based entertainment in the state, Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh in association with E-Factor & Sky Waltz will be hosting TAJ Balloon Festival in Agra from November 14 – 16, 2015. This was announced to the media and press on the World Tourism Day recently.
The Festival will feature more than 15 balloons from across 12 countries like the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Spain, Belgium, Taiwan, Australia, UAE and Germany, amongst others. Expert balloonists will be displaying their skills as the skyline of the ‘Taj’ city Agra will be dotted with colourful balloons. Regarded as one of the safest form of aviation sport, Hot Air Ballooning has been gaining prominence in India as well.
Speaking about TAJ Balloon Festival,
Shri. Amrit Abhijad, DG & Secretary Tourim of Uttar Pradesh, said, “Uttar Pradesh is the unique state that provides various adventure sport related activities to tourists. While white water rafting, trekking, mountaineering are popular, we are now introducing Hot Air Ballooning as the latest aviation & adventure sport for the discerning tourists. This Festival is the first step towards creating a world class ballooning centre in the state of Uttar Pradesh.”
Samit Garg - Founder/Director of E-Factor SkyWaltz added that "it has taken more than 2 years to procure all the required permissions across departments like ASI, MOD, DGCA, City Administration etc and we are grateful to all the office bearers for their continued support in helping us reach until here”.
The Taj Balloon Festival will see about 15 hot air balloons rise up and grace the skies of Agra every morning during the event and will also feature special “Evening Tethered Flights”, wherein balloons will rise to a certain height from the ground. This will enable enthusiasts to take a closer look at the balloons. During the TAJ Balloon Festival, a Night Glow Concert will take place where hot air balloons will light up in sync with live music.
Talking about the Taj Festival,
Shri. Pankaj Kumar, District Magistrate – Agra, said, “Taj Balloon Festival is going to be an important event in the history of modern Agra. We look forward to the international balloonists flying over Agra. The District administration will extend its full support to make the festival a success.”
The Festival is being held by Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh in association with E-Factor SkyWaltz.
