The Uttar Pradesh tourism department is beginning an event in Varanasi which will run for 4 days. Starting today, January 17, there will be a festival featuring boat racing and hot air balloon rides. The festival will conclude on January 20th. This event has formally been named the Kashi Balloon and Boat Festival, and it is being held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
The Details Of The Balloon And Boat Festival
Prior to the boat race, a 3 km section of the Ganga river had been mapped. The race is planned to take place between Namo Ghats and Dashashmedh Ghats. A shield-shaped festival logo bearing the words “Kashi balloon and boat festival” has been unveiled.
The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) grounds and the Central Hindu Boys School in Ramnagar are set to be the launching and landing positions for the hot air balloons.
The boat racing competition will begin on January 17 at Dashashmedh Ghat. Apparently, the cost of an air trip has not yet been determined. Although last year’s price was ₹500 per person.
According to Deputy Director of Tourism Preeti Srivastava, the UP tourism office will also use blimps, balloons, and floating cylinders to brand the events.
Teams Participating In The Event
Gangaputra, Navik Sena, Jal Yodhas, Kashi Keepers, Jal Sena, Ganga Lahiri, Ganga Vahini, Bhagirathi Sevaks, Kashi Lahiri, Gaumukh Giants, Nauka Riders, and Ghat Keepers are the teams set to compete against each other.
The tourism committee has also made arrangements for the entertainment of the audience. Night glows will be an essential part of the event. The hot air balloon launch and potential landing locations have also been decided upon.
Additionally, paramotor rides are being organised throughout the festival. The tourism department also revealed that for the hot air balloon festival, they have secured the services of five agencies from around the world, including American, Japanese, and Canadian agencies.
This is the second time a hot air balloon festival is being held in Varanasi by the tourism department. Back in 2021, six Indian pilots and eight foreign pilots competed in the event.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons