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Thursday, November 21, 2024
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Started in the year 1989, International Kite Festival attracts the connoisseurs of kites from all corners of the world. It is held at Ahmedabad on January 14 every year, to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. 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. The festival lures expert kite-makers and fliers not only from major cities of India but also from around the world.
Kite-flying festival is also held in important cities of Gujarat each year. 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. These threads are so sharp and can even cut the finger if not used carefully. 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 (tukkals) fill the night sky with myriad flickering lights.
Kite-flying starts at dawn and continues without a pause throughout the day. The festival is a time of thanksgiving for the religious, since it marks the awakening of the gods from their long slumber. The gods who are believed to have slumbered for six long months are now awake and the portals of heaven are thrown open. It is also a signal for merry-making. People pay homage to the gods, in temples and alms are distributed freely.
People crowd rooftops, indulge in kite fighting in a sportive spirit and generally have fun. Girls and Boys wearing traditional attires dance Dandiya ras and delicious Gujarati feast is prepared to celebrate the festival.
Kite Festival Photos |
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