The water festival called Thingyan

For visitors, Myanmar New Year or known as water festival is one of the most amazing times to experience the long reserved tradition of the country as well having fun with the local national wide.

In the Burmese language, the new year is called ‘Thingyan’ means “moving from one year to another”.

According to the ancient tradition, a human has committed sins the whole year and these sins could be only washed away by the water that thrown on others with Thingyan water.  People believe that their mind will be purified after this important festival.

During 2 weeks of Thingyan which often takes place from 12 to 17th April, Buddhist’s religious activities are held to bless pilgrimage as well local villagers. 

The water festival is also celebrated as Songkran in Thailand and Laos, ChaulChnamThmey in Cambodia. A similar festival is played in India with water and color and is called Holi

Go mad in water fest with water everywhere. You will be drenched in water, fun, and love. Enjoy with the locals, it's amazingly safe. People splash water on everyone including animals

Kids use water guns to drench their friends, and everyone in the range - only monks and the olds are safe.

During the festival, do not miss the chance to fill your stomach with special sweet foods: rice balls with jiggery topped with grated coconut, assorted jelly, bread and sticky rice in coconut milk and many other delicious curries that you will not taste in a normal day.

PhaungDawOo Pagoda Festival

Every year once, by end of October, pagoda festival is celebrated during which the 5 Buddha images are rowed around the Lake in a colorful barge.

It is held on a large scale for 18 days, usually in October (sometimes in September). 4 Buddha Images out of 5 from Phaung-Daw-oo Pagoda are carried on the royal barge and conveyed around 14 villages on the Lake.

The barge is towed by the boats of leg-rowers and hundreds of boats follow the procession. The large crowd gathers on the lake-shores to celebrate this festival. It is really an amazing sight.

Among the dance shows and fun-fairs, the most interesting event of the festival, especially for foreigners, is their boat race - due to their unique leg rowing. It is the one and only place in the world that one can see such marvelous act.

The Buddha images were believed to have been brought by King Alaungsithu of Bagan. King Alaungsithu or Mani Sithu reigned from A.D 1112-1167, one of the longest rulers of Bagan Dynasty. The King was a great builder of pagodas and monasteries and an avid traveler. He spent much of his time on water journeys. Legend has it that the Barge he used was built of the wood that contained a philosopher’s stone. This stone gave the Barge the supernatural power of turning into the water any place the king pointed at. So once, during one of his journeys, he came to the Inle Lake and the royal barge stopped at a place. That place was marked as a sacred place and a pagoda was built. That pagoda is now known as PhaungDaw U Pagoda. Some local tribes from Dawei requested the King for their stay at the lake, due to their liking of the pleasant lake, and also for looking after the pagoda. The King granted their stay and now, there is mysterious Inle Lake.

The PhaungDaw U Pagoda Festival isheld annually for 18 days. It is one of the most famous festivals in Myanmar. Both locals and foreign visitors come to visit this traditional festival in Inle Lake, Shan State. Annually, during the Myanmar Month of Thadingyut, usually between September and October, the 18-days festival is held. The festival is held with the dates according to the Lunar Calendar of Myanmar. It begins on the first Waxing Moon day of Thadingyut and ends a couple of days after the Full Moon. (For 2015, 14 October to 31 October)

A large boat with a Golden Hintha (Hamsa) Bird creation is built. The Buddha Images tour around the Inle Lake from village to village taking the whole 18 days on the way. During the festival, only four of the Buddha Images are moved onto the royal barge. One image always remains at the temple. The decorated royal barge is towed by several boats moving by leg-rowers of Inle. The barge is towed from village to village along the shores of the lake in a clockwise fashion, and the four images reside at the main monastery in each village for the night. The high point of the festival is on the day when the images arrive at the main town of NyaungShwe, where most pilgrims from the surrounding region come to pay their respects and veneration by boats. There are hundreds of floating boats from near and far.

According to Myanmar law, you are not allowed to rent the car without driver so it has to be the best invention ever – it’s a motorbike

The road should be kicked off from Mandalay, the biggest city in north Myanmar going down south to capital Yangon. It is more than just an ordinary sightseeing since you are not only to visit Myanmar Heritage sites but also see the different villages in the remote area. It usually takes 12 to 13 days depending how many days you are adding to explore Yangon and other major places like Inle lake
 

Mandalay - PyinOoLwin - Shwe Bo - Monywa - Bagan - Magwe - Pyu - Yangon - Naypyidaw - Inle Lake – Mandalay

1. Mandalay to PyinOoLwin = 66 km
2. PyinOoLwin to Shwe Bo = 167 km
3. Shwebo to Monywa = 101 km
4. Monywa to Bagan = 153 km
5. Bagan to Magway = 152 km
6. Magway to Phyu = 313 km
7. Phyu to Yangon = 235 km
8. Yangon to Naypyitaw = 367 km
9. Naypyitaw to Inle Lake = 230 km
10. Inle Lake to Mandalay = 261 km

Essential South Myanmar
Follow the ancient trail of Mon Kingdom, exploring the authenticity of Yangon, Hpa An, Golden Rock and Mawlamyine. The experience focuses on the cultural interaction which varies beautifully from vibrant cities to monasteries, Shampoo island to famous Golden Rock.  It usually takes 7 to 8 days depending how many days you are adding to explore Yangoon and other places

Brief itinerary: Yangon - Bago - Kyaikhtiyo - Mawlamyine - Hpa An - Yangon

1. Yangon - Bago = 119 km
2. Bago – Kyaikhtiyo = 107 km
3. Kyaikhtiyo – Mawlamyine = 153 km
4. Mawlamyine - Hpa An = 57 km
5. Hpa An to Yangon = 287 km

Myanmar larger circuit –

Option 1 - Min. 15 days circuit

1. Mandalay to PyinOoLwin = 66 km
2. PyinOoLwin to Shwe Bo = 167 km
3. Shwebo to Monywa = 101 km
4. Monywa to Bagan = 153 km
5. Bagan to Magway = 152 km
6. Magway via Naypyitawto Phyu = 313 km
7. Phyu to Yangon = 235 km
8. Yangon - Bago = 119 km
9. Bago – Kyaikhtiyo = 107 km
10. Kyaikhtiyo – Mawlamyine = 153 km
11. Mawlamyine - Hpa An = 57 km
12. Hpa An to Taungoo = 383 km
13. Taungooto Naypyitaw = 115 km
14. Naypyitaw to Inle Lake = 230 km
15. Inle Lake to Mandalay = 261 km

Option 2 – Min. 14 days circuit

1. Mandalay to PyinOoLwin = 66 km
2. PyinOoLwin to Shwe Bo = 167 km
3. Shwebo to Monywa = 101 km
4. Monywa to Bagan = 153 km
5. Bagan to Magway = 152 km
6. Magway via Naypyitawto Phyu = 313 km
7. Phyu to Yangon = 235 km
8. Yangon - Bago = 119 km
9. Bago – Kyaikhtiyo = 107 km
10. Kyaikhtiyo – Mawlamyine = 153 km
11. Mawlamyine - Hpa An = 57 km
12. Hpa An to Naypyitaw = 473 km
13. Naypyitaw to Inle Lake = 230 km
14. Inle Lake to Mandalay = 261 km

Happy BiKing.!!

For Any help on Myanmar Holiday, you can reach us @ travel@Navigers.com / navigers@gmail.com

Visa requirement for Myanmar

From December 2016, Singapore passport holders can visit Myanmar for 30 days without a visa. This
exemption is not applied for foreigners who live or work in Singapore. The mutual signed by Singapore
and Myanmar government also allows Burmese tourists to visit Singapore without a visa.

A similar agreement amongst Asian countries including Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, Philippines, Thailand,
Cambodia and Myanmar indicates that the citizens of these countries can travel to Myanmar for 14 days
for purpose of tourism without a visa.

The restriction of the agreement shows that free visa is only for those who arrive by Yangon, Mandalay
or Naypyidaw international airport.

Accordingly, travellers from America, Europe, Africa and other countries in Asia need to obtain Myanmar
Visa.

From late 2014, Myanmar Government has created a new system which enables travellers to obtain
an electronic visa for Myanmar. This system supports citizens from more than 100 countries to obtain visa
easier for their travel to Myanmar. Please contact us if you want to apply for Myanmar visa

Myanmar e visa can be applied if you are entering from these airports / Ports / Checkpoints

1. Yangoon
2. Mandalay
3. Nay Pyi Taw
4. Tachileik Land Border checkpost
5. Myawaddy Land border chekpost
6. Kawthaung Land border chekpost

Visa Fee

The total Government fee is US $50/ person or application. There is no discount or a cheaper price if you
apply for a group. Navigers processing fee is $25 per visa forex and 5% government tax. Pls fill the visa
form or call us

The visa is single entry and you are not able to travel to Thailand then return without having a second
visa. We strongly advise you to study their website carefully before you apply since the visa fee is
nonrefundable.

Special notices

1. E-Visa is good for both tourist and business Myanmar Visa
2. This visa is not for all border gates or airports, please check the latest update Myanmar Visa News
3. Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the time you enter the country.
4. Tourist visa is valid for 28 days from the date of arrival, business visa is for 70 days
5. Payment should be done by credit, visa card, no cash or banking option.
6. Visa fee is non-refundable
7. Contact the government support team on phone if you need more information
8. You should apply for the visa at least 1 week before arrival and no sooner than 3 months prior to your
travel date.

Requirement

1. Your full name in the passport :
2. Your father`s full name:
3. Your date of birth and place of birth:
4. Passport number, issued date, expired date

5. Your address, telephone and email.
6. Your occupation:
7. Date of arrival and flight number:
8. Date of departure and flight number:
9. Your visiting plan: at least the name of the first hotel
10. Your photo in jpeg, pdf, word extension

E-visa is applicable for 100 countries including

Ayutthaya is an old ruined city located at a distance of 85 kms from Bangkok.
This ancient city was founded around 1350, and was once the capital of Thailand (Siam).
The city was attacked and razed by the Burmese army in 1767 who burned the entire city and it has been in ruins since then.

I was interested to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site after looking at some of its photos on internet.

So we rented a bike and headed to Ayutthaya early in the morning.

Ayutthaya archaeological site contains ruined, burnt out palaces, temples, monasteries statues and more. It gives the glimpse of what an impressive city it must have been earlier days.

The most interesting place here was Wat Mahthat.
The iconic photograph of the Buddha's head entwined in the roots of a fig tree represents this place the best.

You can find the rows of headless Buddhas and large ruined structures here.

Another attraction was Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which is known for its distinctive row of Thai-style stupas. The temple once housed a 16 m high Buddha covered with 340 kg of gold, but the Burmese set fire to the statue to melt the gold and destroyed the temple in the process.

Wat Lokaya Sutha has 42 meters high and eight meters wide reclining Buddha statue.

Ayutthaya was said to be located on an island surrounded by three rivers connecting the city to the sea. This site was chosen by the kings, as it was located above the tidal bore of the Gulf of Siam, thus preventing attack of the city by the sea-going warships of other nations.
Now there are no traces of water, and the place is very dry and hot. There are many shelters to take rest while you are exploring these ruins.

Ayutthaya Historical Park is open 8:30 am-4:30 pm daily. The main places of attraction are:
•  Wat Phra Mahathat / Wat Mahthat
•  Wat Phra Si Sanphet / The Grand Palace
•  Wat Chaiwatthanaram
•  Wat Ratchaburana
•  Wat Lokaya Sutha / Wat Lokkayasutharam
•  Wat Yai Chaimongkol / Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon
•  Wat Na Phramen
•  Wat Phanunchoeng
•  Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

You can also visit the beautiful Bang Pa-In Summer Palace on the way the way to Ayutthaya.

All the roads in Thailand are wonderfully laid, but it is not the right country to explore on bike; as 2 wheelers are not allowed on most of the roads; and we were flagged off by the Thai police twice on the way to Ayutthaya and later were caught by the cops, despite lot of precautions. Most of signboards are in Thai language and we had missed to notice that we are riding on wrong road. Had to plead, negotiate and bribe to get the driving license back.

The best way to exlore this historical city is by taking a One Day Tour organised by various travel companies.

Nagaland – at a Glance

Nagaland is one of the “seven sisters” of the North-East India. It is one of the smaller hill states of India, it is known for its large population of tribes with their rich culture and traditions and colourful festivals.

Nagaland is a culural state where different types of community have different culure and festivals. Each community celebrates their colourful festivals according to the agrarian calendar that makes Nagaland as, a land of festivals. "NAGALAND HORNBILL FESTIVAL: FESTIVAL OF FESTIVALS" is a celebration of the colour and vibrant elements of all the tribal festivities and give a picture of Naga and cultural sensibilities. This local heritage event has become a national and international festivals and also now become a must visit event and unique attraction in the travel industry.  

HORNBILL FESTIVAL

Why it is celebrated

Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is named after the Great Indian Hornbill. Folklore in Nagaland represents the hornbill. Hornbill is central to the Naga tradition finding symbolic representations in their faith and costumes. One of the tales relate how a Naga youth, unable to bear his step-mother’s ill-treatment, turned into a Hornbill and took to wings promising to be in his village every year. During such fights the youth came across two of his past beloveds who are now married. Seeing his beloveds the man-hornbill plucked two feathers from his body and presented a feather to each of them. The man-hornbill flew away never to return but his gifts to his beloveds made their way into headgears as they kept dancing elegantly as human crowns at yearly held festivals for posterity’s recognition of a tradition and the enjoyment it gave to man and his community.

The main aim of the festival is to rejuvenate and protect the culture of Nagaland and display its cultural values and traditions.

Hornbill represents or shows nobility – beauty and bravery and because of its roar-like call, its strength is believed to be equal to that of a tiger. It is also a symbol of fertility for reproductive and agricultural.

The Hornbill Festival takes place between the 1st December, which is the Nagaland Formation Day, till the 7th of December. It is coducted annually. Because of its grand success and ability in attracting more number of tourists from across India and abroad, the Hornbill Festival has been extended for another three days which is, till the 10th of December.

Hornbill festival is conducted to encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland organizes the Hornbill Festival every year in the first week of December. It is organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, Hornbill Festival showcases different types of cultural displays in one patform. This festival takes place between the 1st and the 10th of December every year in Kohima.

Where it is celebrated

The feastival is held at Naga Village which is Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima. All the tribes of Nagaland used to take part in this festival.

How to reach

By Air: Airport is in Dimapur, serviced by major airlines (Indigo & Air India). The city is linked to Kolkata by air.  Tourists have to travel to kohima from dimapur by road which will take hardly 2 and half hours.

By Road: The state capital Kohima is linked to Shillong and Guwahati, Eastern India. First travel to Dimapur and then to Kohima.

By Rail: Dimapur is the major railway station, which is linked to Guwahati.

What one can expect in this festival

For visitors or tourists it is an opportunity for closer understanding the people and diverse culture of Nagaland, and a great opportunity to experience Naga food which is no less varied, as are the songs, dances and customs of the place. This great festival is a  paradise for a foodie, particularly if one is a non- vegetarian. Nagas mainly love to feast and feed guests, and at Kisama one can try different kinds of traditional food and also watch how they r preparing during the Hornbill Festival days. Tourists are welcomed warmly to the traditional huts of tribe which depicts respective traditions. Visitors who are interested can also interact with the village tribe. They also can take part in various events such as Naga chilly eating, pork eating and traditional games and other traditional competitions.

How it is celebrated

The 10 days festival unites everyone in Nagaland and people enjoy the colourful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies. They sing folk songs, perform their traditional dances and play unique and thrilling games and sports.  Traditional arts include paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures are also on display. Festival highlights include Traditional Naga Exhibition and sale of Arts and Crafts, Food Stalls, Herbal Medicine Stalls, Flower shows and sales, Cultural Medley – songs and dances, Fashion shows, Beauty Contest, Traditional Archery, Naga wrestling, various other attractive Games. There will be a music concert competition in the evening, which will like by every kind of people, so that the festive spirit continues through the night. The major attractive of this festival is the Hornbill International Rock Festival which is held at Indira Gandhi Stadium where local and international rock bands perform.

Check out exclusive Hornbill festival packages from Navigers and be a part of this extraordinary event.

I heard a lot about the Ajanta & Ellora caves from my childhood days; so when I planned for a trip to see these caves, I thought of covering the other prominent caves near Mumbai and explore all of them in a go.

The important caves near Mumbai are:
•  Ajanta 
•  Ellora 
•  Aurangabad caves
•  Karla and Bhaja Caves in Lonavala
•  Elephanta caves and Kanheri caves in Mumbai

I started my trip from Mumbai. I booked a self drive car from Navigers for my road journey.

On the first day, drove from Mumbai to Ajanta (440 kms). We had taken Mumabi - Nashik - Shirdi - Aurangabad - Ajanta bypass roads.
There were lot of onion, cotton and sugar cane fields by the road side. 

The hotel guy at Ajanta, explained that the "View Point" at Ajanta is mesmerizing; and he suggested to go to 'Ajanta View point' first and then trek down from the wild trail to the 30 rock cut Ajanta caves.

Following the local expertise suggestion, next day, we drove to the 'Ajanta view point' early in the morning. The sight was really out of the world. 
It seemed to be a exotic setting, perfectly formed to carve out the amazing caves.

It is believed that the Buddhist monks who carved out these caves, wanted to stay in solitary - and didnt want anyone to find their meditation site.
On the first sight, you will find this place to be like a crater; and you cannot see these caves from anywhere else; apart from the view point.

The Ajanta Caves is a complex of around 29 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date back to 2nd century.
These caves were discovered in 1819, by a British officer named John Smith, who was out in the forests for hunting. 
I was trying to imagine that what he must have felt when he saw these abandoned massive caves for the first time.

Each cave in Ajanta, has a unique story to tell. And you experience the stories of Buddha coming to life in these caves.

The main attraction of Ajanta caves, is the wall paintings. Though these expressive wall paintings are in very ruined state now; it makes you wonder, that what technology might the people have used to draw these fine paintings almost twenty centuries back.  

Ajanta caves is currently a UNESCO protected site. You will not be allowed to use cameras with flash-lights inside the caves; so that the cave paintings can be protected for some more years.
You will not be allowed to drive your vehicle close to the cave complex also; the vehicles needs to be parked 4 kms away from the caves; and from there you will have to board the government bus that will drop you close to the cave entrance.

Ajanta caves is one of the fine historic marvel and I am gald I could explore them; before it perishes completely. 

After exploring Ajanta, we drove towards Ellora caves, which is at the distance of 90 kms.

I spent my night at Hotel Kailash, which offers a magnificent view of Ellora cave complex.

The Ellora cave entrance was at a walking distance from my hotel; so I decided to explore these caves early in the morning; so that I could avoid the crowd.

I directly entered Cave 16, that is the 'Kailash Temple'. I had read that this was one of the most beautiful carved temple in the world. 
I was amazed to see this massive carved temple with huge sculptures all by myself. There were no tourists when I entered this temple and I was literally scared to enter the main dark sanctum of this huge temple where the Shiv ling was present. 
Kailash Temple is an marvellous structure, it is one of the largest monolithic structures in the world. This place seemed extraordinarily beautiful with the soft sun rays on the beautiful rock carvings; and no crowd to disturb.

Unlike Ajanta - Ellora cave complex had a mix of artworks from Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

Caves 1 to 12 - were mainly Buddhist monuments

It was suprising to see 2 storeyed caves here. 

Caves 13 to 29 - were the most beautiful ones. These consists of the Hindu monuments with elaborate sculptures, wall inscriptions, rock carvings. 

Caves 30 to 34 - were mainly Jain monuments

There is bus facility inside the cave complex, as the last Jain caves are situated at a distance of 1.5 kms from entrance.

Ellora was more commercialized than Ajanta caves, as the place also contains Grishneshwar temple (the 12th Jyotirlinga). There were lot of pilgrims who had come to visit this sacred temple; and the same pilgrims were also at the Ellora cave complex, adding to the crowd.
I also paid a visit to the huge Shiv ling present in the finely carved Grishneshwar temple.
This temple was under high security; I had to cross many security check points to enter the main temple sanctum. Even mobile phones were not allowed to be carried inside the temple premises.

My next destination was Lonavala, which was at a distance of 308 kms.

From Ellora, we drove through Aurangabad which is known as 'the city of gates'. You can find lot of many gateways in this city. I m not sure on what was the intend of the ancient kings to build so many gateways :)
Bibi ka Maqbara of Aurangabad is the prime attraction of the city and it resembles the Taj Mahal of Agra. 

The Aurangabad Caves were Buddhist cave complex, resembling that of Ajanta.

The drive to Lonavala was little confusing; there are very less sign boards across Maharastra.

Lonavala didnt turn out to be as per my expectation. Though I was there in February, the temperature was too high and the place was dry with no greenery and nothing to remind that it is a ' hill station '.

There are many forts near Lonavala and Khandala, but none of the forts are maintained well. It was saddening to see the massive forts built by ancient kings in ruined state. When the forts were built, I m sure that the kings had very limited resources compared to now; but now even with all the advanced technology, the government is not even willing to maintain these historical structure. None of the forts had good roads to reach to them. I really felt pity on the state of these neglected monuments.

Rajmachi Fort is said to be the most beautiful fort; which offers magnificent views.
Tilkona fort was a triangular fort on top of the hill. 
Lohagad Fort was massive. There were lot of monkeys till the top of the fort; so had to walk empty handed, so that nothing attracts their attention.

Bhaja / Bhaje caves are located near Lohagad Fort. It was a cave complex with 22 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century. The unique carving here was that of a woman playing tabla.

Pawna lake and dam at Lonavala was worth a visit; but the Bhushi dam had nothing much to offer.

Lonavala was filled with chikki shops and resorts. The place was totally commercialized and was crowded.

At Khandala ghats, I stopped by to see many view points that offer beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. 
Rajmachi point, shooting point and Duke’s Nose were the best of them. 

There were many tunnels on the highway between Lonavala and Mumbai.

My trip ended back at Mumbai/Bombay - the Bollywood city. 
The city was a mix of skyscrapers with well connected flyovers and overcrowded slum area - both class of people living closeby.

I had found this photo of my childhood in one of my old family album; and I wanted to click a similar photo in front of Gateway of India during this trip.
But guess what, I could not go close to 'Gateway of India'.

Gateway of India, is now surrounded by barricades after the infamous 26/11 terror attack and over that there were almost a lakh of tourists around that area. 
I had never seen so many people gathered together at a given point of time in my entire life. It was frightening to face the over population of our country.

I dropped my idea to go to Elephanta Caves, after this; as we need to board the ferry from Gateway of India to reach Elephanta.

My stay at Mumbai ended up to be more about eating, than sight seeing :)
The famous streets of Mumbai had everything to offer from ice gola, vada paav, paav bhaji, paan, sandwich, kulfi, fruit punch etc etc, and everything was delicious.

I spent time watching sunset at Chowpatty beach, walking through Marine Drive to Nariman Point, shopping at colaba market.

And as per the famous saying 'there is light at the end of the tunnel'; in the same way, I ended up my trip with the thought of a new road venture in few more month :)

Need some strange reasons to pack your bags and explore the world? --- here is the list of rare events that will force you to witness it; to believe it.

LA TOMATINA
Spain 

The largest tomato fight in the world is held every year in the month of August, in the streets of Bunyol, Spain. More than 100,000 kg of tomatoes are used in this fight every year.

OKTOBERFEST
Germany

All the beer lovers should head to Germany in the month of September to participate in the biggest beer festival of the world, Oktoberfest. Reportedly over 6 million liters of beer are consumed within the beer gardens every year. 

Day of the Dead 
Mexico
All those who want to live the James Bond movie - Spectre's scene; make sure that you visit Mexico in May. 
Day of the Dead (Dia de los muertos) is celebrated in May every year, which focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. 

The Rio de Janeiro Carnival
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is held before Lent every year and considered the biggest carnival in the world with 2 million people per day on the streets. The typical Rio carnival parade is filled with revelers, floats and adornments from numerous samba schools which are located in Rio.

Yi Peng Lantern Festival 
Thailand
Visit Thailand during Yi Peng Lantern Festival; to see the sky magically decorated into a sanctuary of lights. Its a festival that witnesses thousands of sky lanterns light over Pingxi District in Taiwan. It was originally celebrated to ward of evil and disease from the town. The Taipei Pingshi Sky Lanterns were released originally to let others know that the town was safe.