Agra: Skies pop with colour as International 'Hot Air Balloon Festival' kicks off

Agra (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Nov. 26 (ANI): The skyline of Agra was filled with colour as a hot air balloon festival kicked off with much fanfare on Friday. Tourists from India and abroad thronged the city to witness the six-day festival, that will conclude on November 30. Expert balloonists from 15 countries, including those from the United States, the Netherlands, Malaysia and Switzerland are participating in the event, which has been organised by the tourism department of Uttar Pradesh. "The aim of organising this hot air balloon festival is to attract tourists from across the country as well as from abroad. It also aims to provide a new spot to all the tourists who visit Agra. As you can see there are several coloured hot air balloons that provide an opportunity to everyone to enjoy Agra city from a height," said Preeti Shrivastav, deputy director of Uttar Pradesh Tourism. "There are 15 balloons that have been brought here from different countries like, England, America, and from sever other countries," added Shrivastav. This year, the state tourism department has also started a lucky draw wherein 40 flying enthusiasts every day will get a chance to get free one-hour aerial ride during the festival. Visitors said the festival was a great idea to attract tourists. "I think this is nice idea for tourists, for people who are interested in India to just come to see that this is happening. So it's really nice," said Sona, a tourist from Armenia. (ANI)