A five-day extravaganza, the 9th edition of the festival scheduled from 12-16 January 2024, will showcase a display of over 10 vibrant hot air balloons from around the world.
The carnival, running daily from 2 pm to 10 pm, will light up the skies, promising an engaging experience for attendees of all ages. (Supplied)
Taking a stroll through aviation history, the year 1783 stands out as a pivotal moment with the advent of hot air balloons. During this period in France, the Montgolfier brothers showcased their unmanned hot air balloon in Annonay, while Jacques Charles and the Robert brothers launched the world’s first unmanned hydrogen-filled balloon. Subsequently, the Montgolfiers achieved the groundbreaking feat of the maiden manned flight, including the inaugural free flight with human passengers.
In Tamil Nadu, Benedict Savio, the event director of Global Media Box, has been actively involving people in this remarkable history by organising the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival (TNIBF) annually.
Returning with its 9th edition, the festival is scheduled to take place in Pollachi, Coimbatore, from 12 January to 16 January at Right Kongu City.
Savio traces his fascination with hot air balloons back to 2007 in Germany when he witnessed a hot air balloon festival for the first time. Reflecting on that experience, he says, “The experience was surreal, and I wanted to bring this unique feeling back home. People close to me joke that I was caught by that balloon virus! Honestly, there’s been no looking back. It has been a challenge, but I am glad we’ve come so far.”
The inaugural edition of the festival in 2015, held in Pollachi, attracted a footfall of about 1,500 to 2,000 people. This year, Savio proudly anticipates an attendance of at least 40,000 people, showcasing the remarkable growth of the event over the years.
Benedict Savio, founder, TNIBF and event director, Global Media Box. (Supplied)
Recollecting the memories of the inaugural edition, Savio reflects on the numerous challenges faced. Given the limited awareness of such events at the time, addressing concerns related to security, police coordination, and air traffic control required significant effort.
“Now, a few years later, people are accustomed to it, and there is a better understanding. The event has not only become a local highlight but has also placed Pollachi on the global map. What started as a regional affair now draws participants and enthusiasts from places like Pune, Mumbai, Trivandrum, and various other districts. It proudly stands as one of South India’s premier international carnivals,” he shares.
The upcoming edition promises to elevate the skies with colourful hot air balloons representing over 10 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam, each featuring unique shapes and colours. Savio adds, “Every year, we strive to introduce something new to embellish the skies. For this edition, look forward to two frog-shaped novelty balloons and an elephant balloon, among others.”
View this post on Instagram
The consistent execution and evolution of such a grand event is nothing short of fascinating. “It has become a significant calendar event for tourism development. In other countries, similar festivals have been ongoing for over 40-50 years. We initiated this and began receiving sponsorships and contributions from local sponsors and the community in Pollachi. As we approach the 10th year next year, we are planning to scale up to 20 balloons,” Savio reveals.
While the festival has become a flagship event, Savio feels people need to be more aware. “Many still perceive a balloon festival as an opportunity to come and fly balloons,” he shares.
He compares it to attending a car or dance festival. “You are not going to drive the car; you are going to watch the spectacle. In the US, there’s a festival where 600 balloons fly at a time, and millions of people come. Not everyone gets to ride; it’s about watching, taking photos, attending the carnival and having a gala time!” he explains.
However, for those interested in a balloon ride, there are ways to participate. “We understand people want to have that experience. While it is difficult to provide it for everyone, we have come up with a way to give it to some. We have introduced an exclusive 9th Edition Pollachi – Lenticular Printed 3D Poster for a chance to win a balloon ride,” he says.
For this edition, look forward to two frog-shaped novelty balloons and an elephant balloon, among others. (Supplied)
If one buys the poster, the order ID will be used for a lucky draw for a balloon flight. “Five winners will get a chance for an exclusive one-hour-long balloon ride,” he shares.
Another way is the marathon. “We are also curating the first-ever Balloon Run in India, featuring 10k, 5k, and 3k categories. Winners will get a chance for an exclusive balloon ride,” he adds.
With the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department emerging as a crucial collaborator, offering substantial support over the years, Benedict acknowledges their significant contribution. He shares, “I took the directors to a balloon festival in Mexico. They saw it and understood its great potential, starting to support us more in terms of permissions, logistics, and coordination between administration and head officers. They also provide monetary support, not in full but as much as they can.”
The festival sustains itself through a unique approach. Savio notes, “More than sponsorship, it’s a barter of sorts. Whatever services sponsors have, they provide. A transport service brings pilots to the location from the airport and hotels. A restaurant sponsor provides accommodations, and another gives food. Instead of sponsorship, through such sharing, the costs come down. It has, in a sense, become a community event.”
Hot air balloons are classified as aircraft, and as such, they necessitate permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DCA), similar to other aircraft. “The cost of manufacturing a balloon varies, with a minimum of ₹65 lakhs to ₹70 lakhs and the potential to reach ₹1.5 crores, contingent on factors such as size and shape,” says Savio.
India currently has only 10-15 hot air balloon pilots, but events like the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival are contributing to an increasing interest in becoming a pilot.
View this post on Instagram
Savio shares, “Over the last few years, there has been a lot of interest in this arena. We are also training people. Currently, I am training two persons who are acquiring licenses. We plan to launch a balloon training centre here and initiate a regular balloon ride business. In the coming year, exclusive rides will also be potentially planned for people.”
With lucrative opportunities beckoning in various parts of the world, individuals acquiring a license in India often discover more promising career paths overseas. “I trained three pilots; one ventured to Dubai, another to Thailand, and the third secured a position with IndiGo Airlines,” notes Savio.
While the initial investment to enter this field may be high, the potential rewards are substantial.
“For those passionate about flying, choosing this option allows them to fly, earn, and lead a fulfilling life. The demand for balloon pilots is notably increasing, particularly in Turkey,” he adds.
With about two decades of experience in the field, we inquire why Savio himself is not a pilot. With a chuckle, he responds, “While I am well-versed in the ins and outs of this, flying demands complete concentration. When you are orchestrating an event, you can’t divert your focus to flying. It requires added patience and focus. If you are managing a large-scale event, juggling both becomes impractical. If I were a pilot, the festival wouldn’t have happened. I was committed to making the festival a reality,” he explains.
Savio has a vision to train pilots and establish a flying club. His plan includes creating a flying association that offers opportunities to skilled individuals. He emphasises the importance of logic over formal education, expressing confidence that Indians can easily adapt, making it a seamless process. “The ultimate goal is to build a vibrant community of skilled balloon enthusiasts and pilots in the region,” he shares.
View this post on Instagram
Looking forward to tourism in 2024, Savio discerns a shift in focus. While previous seasons were centred around exploring various tourism activities, the advent of social media has transformed the landscape. Benedict highlights the significance of events like the kite festival and balloon festival, asserting that they have the potential to boost tourism substantially.
“In our country, domestic tourism is vast – with religious tourism and hill stations being particularly popular. If these carnivals receive adequate support, they can evolve into unique international events, attracting visitors from foreign countries,” he adds.
The 9th Edition of the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival is set to take place from 12 January to 16 January at Right Kondu City, Pollachi Main Road. To secure passes for the diverse range of events featured in the carnival, visit TNIBF. Passes start from ₹150 onwards.
May 19, 2024
May 18, 2024
May 17, 2024
May 17, 2024
May 16, 2024
May 12, 2024
![[Left] File photo of BJP MLA Harish Poonja, who has been booked, and [right] Poonja sitting for a protest in front of Belthangady Police Station in the early hours of Sunday, 19 May, 2024.](https://s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media.thesouthfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Harish-Poonja-and-Belthangady.jpg "Harish Poonja and Belthangady")
