The International Kite Festival in India is one of the most vibrant and colorful festivals celebrated in the country. Every year, the sky above the Indian state of Gujarat becomes a playground of swooping, soaring, colorful kites as the festival comes to town. People come from all over the world to show off their flying skills and kite creations. For a whole week of aerial acrobatics and a jolly good time. The festival is part of the celebration of Uttarayan, which falls on the 14th of January every year. This blog post will provide a complete guide to celebrating the kite flying festival in India.
History: Kite Festival
The history of the festival has a spiritual significance. It is believed that the day marks the beginning of the auspicious six-month period known as Uttarayana. It is also a celebration of the sun, as it marks the end of winter and the return of more clement weather for farmers of the Gujarat region. The festival has become an international event in recent years, with people from countries including: Japan, Italy, UK, Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, the US, Malaysia, Singapore, France, and China taking part in the celebration.
The festival starts with the markets being flooded with kite buyers and sellers. In the heart of Ahmedabad is one of the most famous kite markets, Patang Bazaar, which during the festive week is open 24 hours a day with buyers and sellers negotiating and buying in bulk. Many families in Ahmadabad start making kites at home and set up small shops in their own homes.
Kites!!!
The kites come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, made with materials such as plastic, leaves, wood, metal, nylon and other scrap materials. The most popular type of kite is the patang, which craftsmen make using lightweight paper and bamboo, giving it a mostly rhombus shape with a central spine and a single bow. They add dye and paint to enhance the kite’s glamour. To make the lines sharp enough to cut skin, they cover them with mixtures of glue and ground glass, which, when dried, are rolled up and attached to the rear, also known as firkees.
Kite Fight
Kite fighting tournaments are also a popular attraction. During the festival, kite enthusiasts use the sharp lines of fighter kites to cut down other kites during the tournaments. On the second night of the festival, they launch illuminated kites filled with lights and candles known as tukals or tukkals, creating a spectacle in the dark sky.
For those who want to make the most of their kite flying experience, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Get the best kites and supplies from the kite markets.
- Practice your kite flying skills before the festival.
- Learn about the different kite fighting techniques.
- Bring your own kite and join in the fun.
- Make sure to dress appropriately for the hot weather.
- Bring snacks and drinks to keep you hydrated.
- Be careful when handling the kite lines and other sharp objects.
Conclusion
The International Kite Festival in India is an amazing experience, and a must-visit destination for everyone. We hope this blog post has provided you with a complete guide to celebrating the kite flying festival in India. So, if you’re planning on attending, be sure to follow these tips to ensure that you make the most of this vibrant and colorful festival.
The other attractions in Gujarat include the Palitana temples, the Gir Forest National Park, and the food scene in Ahmedabad.
