Firstly, what is ‘The International Kite festival’? Well, it has many names, it is also known as Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti in Gujarat. It is a day celebrated by the people to rejoice at the end of winter. The kite flying is led from Ahmedabad, a chief city of Gujarat.
It is believed to be the day when the Gods wake up from their long sleep and heaven opens up. This is the day when the beautiful blue skies in Gujarat are filled with colorful kites flying around and the laughter of the people rings in the wind. People from not only India but all over the world gather together to witness this day and show their talents in kite-making.
The International Kite Festival in Gujarat is celebrated on the 14th of January every year and is one of the main attractions of tourism in Gujarat.
1. A magical sight that happens only once a year:
I know all of you have seen kites flying during so many festivals or even on a normal day and are wondering why should you go all the way to Gujarat to see it again. But let me tell you, it is a sight that will leave you speechless. The whole of the sky is filled with kites almost looking like a tent, the different colors, designs of kites dancing in the sky looking like they’ve come to life is something you will never see anywhere else.
2. Want to know how good you are at Kite- flying?
One of the main attractions of the kite festival is the Kite- flying competition. All the people stand on the rooftops flying their own kites while trying to bring down or cut the other person’s kite. There is no bar on age, everyone is a child on this day. So, no matter how old you are this is the time to bring out the child in you and just enjoy yourself to the fullest.
3. Ever wondered how the Manjha (kite string) is made?
When you go to Gujarat you will see sellers making Manjha before the big day. Manjha is the string that is used to control the kite. It is coloured and covered with powdered glass, then dried. If not handled right, the Manjha can injure. This sharp string is what cuts the other kites.
4. The breathtakingly beautiful night sky:
I bet all of you have seen illuminated box (known as Tukkals) let out into the sky but have you ever seen thousands of them let out all together? The night sky on the International Kite festival is one that should never be missed. A lit up sky, beautiful and radiant. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the view like never before.
5. Love Gujarati food?
The exciting day of the International Kite Festival ends with the traditional food festival of Gujarat. The most famous delicacies are up for sale such as:
Undhiyu ( vegetable delicacy)
Jalebi
Til Ladoo ( sweets that are made from sesame seeds)
Chikki ( a sweet made from jaggery and groundnut)
Tourists from all over the world visit this auspicious day and enjoy everything that is there in store for them.
6. A day when everyone around you is happy
Are you sad? Depressed? Need a get away? This is the place to be. The positive aura and vibes will make you smile and forget about all your worries. No matter what the status of the people are, everyone is happy. Little children running around happy and joyously flying their kites. It will make you realize how a day of such celebration helps people forget all about their busy lives and hardships they face on a daily basis.
The International Kite Festival is a day filled with happiness and laughter. Though this festival is celebrated in other parts of India, you should go to Gujarat at least once because the view and celebration at Gujarat is like no other. You have to be there to experience it.