Did you know that India hosts several kite festivals every year, especially during Makar Sankranti in January?

Makar Sankranti is a festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) and the start of longer days.

People fly kites from their terraces and rooftops to celebrate the occasion and compete with each other. Some of the most famous kite festivals are held in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Telangana.

One of the biggest kite festivals in India is the International Kite Festival, organized by Gujarat Tourism. This year, the 33rd edition of the festival will take place from January 7th to 14th, 2024, in various locations across Gujarat.

The festival will feature 153 international kite flyers from 55 countries, 68 national kite flyers from 12 Indian states, and 865 local kite flyers from 23 cities in Gujarat. The festival will also have various teams and competitions, showcasing different types of kites and kite-flying skills.

If you are interested in attending the festival, you can find more details on the official website or the Ministry of Tourism website. You can also watch some videos of the previous editions of the festival on YouTube.

International Kite Festival is considered one of the biggest festivals of Gujarat. The kite festival is a uniquely Gujarati phenomenon when the skies of most cities in the state are filled with kites from morning till evening.

When is International Kite Festival?

Kite Festival is held in the second week of January. This festival marks the days in the Hindu calendar when winter begins to turn into summer, known as Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan.

Usually a bright hot sunny day with strong winds is suitable for kite flying. On this day almost all the normal works remain closed in the state and everyone goes to the rooftops and streets to fly kites and compete with their neighbours. Tourists come from different corners of the world and enjoy this beautiful festival.

The vibrant kite festival marks Makar Sankranti or Pongal, uniting Hindus across India in one of the most auspicious festivals. As families gather for festive kite flying and feasts, the spirit of the holidays transcends regional names, reminding all Hindus around the world of shared traditions.

Essay for Students – The Vibrant Kite Festival of India

The skies over India burst into lively color each January as the ancient tradition of the Makar Sankranti kite festival brings festive cheer and competitive fun. Families gather on rooftops, street corners, open fields and city parks – joined in the excitement of kite flying and enchantment with the sky. As kites soar high and dip low, people of all ages thrill to the spectacle and challenge of kite handling. The kite festival represents many long-held beliefs and its vibrant street atmosphere creates community and marks a seasonal change. Both young and old, men and women fly their creative kite displays with great pride and enthusiasm.

Known by different names like Uttarayan, Khichdi , Maghi or Sankranti, the kite flying celebration joins Hindu communities across India. It is held to honor the sun’s northward journey and the harvest. Sweet and savory foods like til laddoos or orange-colored gajak convey hopes for prosperity in the new year. From energized street parades to blessing cattle, regional rituals symbolize leaving troubles behind and good times ahead. Soaring kites embody the feeling of freedom and optimism. Fierce stunt kite fights stir up friendly competition.

As bazaars overflow with spools of fighter kite string and festive street food, excitement builds to a feverish pitch on the day itself. All over the skies, colorful diamond and box shapes on basic hexagonal frames vie for airspace and glory. Fancy designs commemorate cultural symbols, cartoons, social messages or product advertising. Kite string coated with crushed glass is the flyer’s secret success ingredient. Careful maneuvering traps and cuts competing lines, a thrilling aspect to behold. At day’s end, triumphant fliers finally reel in their soaring artwork.

India’s beloved Makar Sankranti kite festival welcomes all and immerses communities in a vivid culture steeped in history, spirituality, astronomy, harvest, sport and sky gazing wonder. This amazing spectacle rejoices in leaving troubles behind; optimism lifts all eyes up and spirits high!

As the sun sets, and the kites take flight, the International Kite Festival becomes a canvas where cultures blend, and the sky becomes a living, breathing masterpiece. Join the festivities, embrace the traditions, and let your spirit soar with the kites!