The Putrajaya International Hot Air Ballon Fiesta 2011 is back, with more than 10 countries participating in the annual event to be held from March 17 to 21 in Putrajaya, Malaysia's federal administration center.

The third hot air balloon fiesta was launched in Putrajaya on Tuesday by Malaysian Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.

Themed "1World, 1Malaysia, 1Fiesta", Raja Nong Chik told reporters that the fiesta would see 13 participating countries and regions adorning the Malaysian sky with 26 hot air balloons.

A number of activities have also been lined up for the fiesta, including tethered hot air balloon rides for the public, kite flying, helicopter rides, remote control aircraft flying display, magic shows, extreme games such as paintball and wall climbing, face painting and sand arts.

Raja Nong Chik said the response that the organizer had received this year was encouraging, forcing it to turn down many hot air ballooners' applications.

Besides Malaysia, other participating countries include Belgium, France, Germany, India, Japan, Switzerland, Thailand, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam.

The fiesta is expected to draw 300,000 visitors to Putrajaya.