International Kite Festival - अंतरराष्ट्रीय पतंग उत्सव

City Ahmedabad
State Gujarat
Feast of Month January
Co-ordinates 23.045932, 72.571564


In Gujarat and other western states the change in the direction of winds on Makar Sankranti is marked by thousands of colourful kites of all patterns and dimensions which dot the blue sky. Young men vie with each other to win community kite-flying competitions. The kites are hand made and the thread is given a coating of glass powder mixed in either resin or a paste made of refined wheat flour. The day also witnesses kite flying tournaments in which handsome cash, cups and shields are awarded as prizes to the winners. Special kites with paper lamps fill the night sky with myriad flickering lights.

On Makar Sankranti, the state of Gujarat and especially the cities of Ahmedabad and Baroda become the city of the kite flyers. Kites of various shapes, sizes, colours and patterns soar high into the sky. You also get to see special kites with paper lamps. Gujarati cuisine along with exhibitions of handicrafts and folk art enhance the festive spirit. This festival marks the end of winters. Is a celebration of spring on the occasion of the 'ascent' of the sun to the north (Uttarnyana). In Maharashtra, Karnataka as well as parts of Andhra, Makar Sankranti is a day of goodwill and friendship. Sesame ladoos and sugar drops are distributed as a symbol of the need to be generous and kind to everyone. Women wear new clothes, new glass bangles and hold get-together to share sweets and gifts.A new bride is given ornaments made of sugar drops and her new relatives are invited to meet and welcome her at a Haldi Kurnkum celebration.

During the middle of January, the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat break into a riot of colours as the International Kite Festival sets in. Kites of all shapes, sizes and hues cover up the expanse of the sky making for a rare spectacle.

The Myth Behind International Kite Festival In fact, the international Kite Festival marks the end of the winter. Popular believe goes that during this time, the Gods who were asleep for the last six months, wake up and the thresholds of the heaven are opened. The faith translates into festivities one of its kind.

Celebration of International Kite Festival

The celebration inaugurates on 13 January every year and continues for 3 consecutive days from dawn to dusk. Days of preparation go into making the kites of every conceivable shape and size. The kite-lines are sharpened with mixtures of glue, ground glass and many more elements. The focus of the contest remains cutting the kite lines of others and thus emerging triumphant. Extensive researches and the innovative formulas and the consequent rivalry would hold anyone by surprise. The ear rending 'woh-katta' fills the air every time a kite-line is severed. The zeal and enthusiasm is unmatched.

A huge number of visitors pour into the city during the festival. Indianholiay.com, being a leading tour operator in India, arranges specially designed tour packages featuring International Kite Festival, which would give you charming insights into the life, style and culture of the old city.



Indian Festivals - Details brought to you by TripsGuru.com

Indian Festivals - Details brought to you by TripsGuru.com