Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, wait! It’s a kite delightfully gliding in the sky. And if you attend the annual International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad, you’ll know that flying kites is not a mere hobby restricted to kids. Since 1989, the Gujarat State Government has been organising the festival around this time of the year. It heralds the arrival of spring, and the whole State is in a festive mood. Jenu Devan, Commissioner of Tourism, Gujarat, says, “The International Kite Festival is one of the most important and colourful festivals here. Each year, thousands of kite flyers partake in the celebrations and carry back wonderful memories with them. The local people also benefit from it, because they receive great livelihood opportunities.”
Kite-flying essentially started as a part of Makar Sankranti celebrations, as a salutation to the sun god, but over a period of time, it has become an occasion where serious kite flyers from all around the globe participate.
Kites in different shapes, colours, sizes and concepts take over the sky. It is a visual treat for the spectator, as the sky is dotted with vibrant flying objects shaped like the Rubik’s cube, aeroplanes, dragons, traditional masks, sunflowers... It’s also a display of how kite-making skills have evolved over the years. From delicate ones made of paper and wooden sticks, they now use flexible materials that make them more resilient. Some kites are so big that they have to be carried by 20 people.
The recently concluded festival in Ahmedabad (January 7 to 14) was celebrated at the Sabarmati Riverfront. An estimated 535 kite fliers participated, which included 96 from 18 different states, 149 kite fliers from 44 countries, and around 290 from different parts of the State. The crowd draws visitors from within the country and abroad as well. This year, approximately 7,000 spectators were present at the festival. Because of the huge participation of the kite flyers, the kite industry flourished with a turnover of ₹615 crores.
Yarin Cheang, a kite flyer from Cambodia, says, “I have been participating in this festival for the last five years. I make sure I bring my best kites with me. This year, it has the painting of a Buddhist deity on it.”
There is also participation from numerous kite clubs across the country. For Ratan Singh from Uttar Pradesh, it is a family affair. They unfailingly participate every year. He says, “We have kites which date back to the pre-Independence era, and have been passed down by my father. We make our own kites with a lot of dedication, and invest a lot of time and money in it.”
In addition to the spectacular display and competitions, the event every year has kite-making workshops, 3D stalls, adventure activities, a craft bazaar and food kiosks offering local food. And not just Gujarat, kites have become popular with enthusiasts all over the world.
So, don’t worry if you’ve missed this edition of the fest here; you can still join in the fun of kite-flying festivals around the globe. Make sure you have a unique kite with you, as the other enthusiasts toil for months to come up with a whole range of creative eye-catching designs. Along with the festival, also explore the tradition, art and culture that the host country has to offer.
Around the world
Weifang, China
Weifang is also known as the ‘World’s Kite Capital’. This kite festival is held in the month of April, and is the biggest in the world. The city is decked up with beautiful lanterns and streamers. The most common ones that are seen in the sky are the dragon kites.
Bali, Indonesia
The Bali Kite Festival started as a prayer to the gods for a good harvest. This festival happens every July, and has now become a fun competition. The sky resembles a mosaic with kites of different colours and shapes. But the most common ones are the traditional motifs of fish, birds and leaves. You will find sketches of Hindu gods up in the air. The event takes place on Sanur beach.
Sydney, Australia
Heading down under in the month of September? The golden Bondi Beach plays host to the Festival of the Winds. Master the art of kite-making at their workshops. Deepa Gala, an Indian settled in Australia, who had come for the kite festival, says, “The other attraction of the Australian kite festival is the puppet show.” It is one of the most happening spring events in the whole continent.”
Washington DC, USA
Called the ‘Blossom Kite Festival’, it’s held in the resort city of Long Beach in the month of April. Initially, it was called the Smithsonian Kite Festival. It is where kite flyers flaunt their skills and creativity . The Rokkaku Battle and Hot Tricks Showdown are the highlights of the event.
