UP Government Holds the First Ever Taj Hot-Air Balloon Festival

The world’s beloved monument gave us yet another reason to admire it.

Helicopter view of the hot-air balloons. (Photo: Twitter)

Thousands turned up to attend the Taj Balloon Festival, a unique initiative by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, a first of its kind ever conducted by the state government. The iconic monument’s Twitter handle had already informed about this event on 27 October.

Despite hazy weather conditions, tourists had a rare aerial glimpse of the Taj Mahal, and said that they had never had a more thrilling experience.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav used his official Twitter handle to extend an invitation to one and all.

This festival which is in its last leg today started on 14 November in Agra.

This initiative has been taken to promote the tourism industry of Uttar Pradesh through adventure and aviation-based activities.

Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan informed that expert balloonists from 15 countries, including Spain, the USA, France, and Britain are participating in this festival.

Hot air ballooning is considered to be the safest form of aviation sports.

However officers have been directed that along with adequate security measures, arrangements to handle any exigency should be in place, Ranjan said.

(With inputs from PTI)