The festival of Uttarayan (Makara Sankranti) is the time for the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad. In 2016, International Kite Festival is happening on 10th and 11th of January, on the banks of Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.
Kite Festival is celebrated in many parts of Gujarat and small competitions are also held within these places during Uttarayan. It is considered as one of the popular festivals celebrated in the state.
A Person with a big kite during the Kite Festival 2014
Photo Courtesy: Kaushik Patel
History of Kite Flying in India
Kite Flying in India is said to have come through the Persians, Indian Royals or from the Chinese traders. It has become a favourite sport for many people in India.
Kite Strings (Thread) are being coloured by a boy
Photo Courtesy: Meena Kadri
International Kite Festival was started in 1989 and till today it remains one of the bigger events. It also attracts many people from around the globe; even the people in Gujarat gear up for this competition.
The harvest festival Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan is the time for many fun activities across the country. In some places of South India, kite flying is part of the festival tradition which people enjoy to the core.
Kite Flying During Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti
Uttarayan is usually celebrated on 14th and 15th of January every year. The preparation for buying the kites and making the kites starts pretty early. People also start searching for good terraces to fly their kites.
People of all ages indulge in kite flying during Uttarayan
Photo Courtesy: Meanest Indian
The markets like Patang Bazaar in Ahmedabad gets colourful and crowded. The best thing about this festival is that, people of all ages involve and enjoy it equally.
Some even make their own kites to display it on that day.
International Kite Festival
Kites of vibrant colours and different shapes adorn the skies of Ahmedabad. On the banks of Sabarmati River, competititors gear up for a fierce battle of kites.
A Bundle of Colourful Kites
Photo Courtesy: Meena Kadri
It is a visual treat to see the skies more colourful and the enthusiasm of people. Kites are made with various materials like wood, plastic, nylon, etc. For the Kite Festival, they're specifically made of light weight paper and bamboo. Usually, these look like the fighter kites with a central spine and a single bow. Special dishes are also prepared and served during the events.
Kite Festival is one of the prominent events which entertain large crowds of people together. It is a matter of pride to cut other kites through the long strings attached to it. The overall process of making or preparing for the festivities is more than just fun in Gujarat.