International Kite Festival in Gujarat is regarded as one of the grandest festivals in the state. The state celebrates 200 festivals yearly, and the Kite festival or Uttarayan, is one of the most amazing festivals celebrated. Observed on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the celebrations continue for a period of around eight days every year. It is believed that God wakes up on this day after a long sleep and the gates to heaven open up.
It is quite a delight to see the joyful faces of the people participating in this grand event. Thousands of kites flying in the sky fill it with multiple hues and colours. Locals and foreign tourists participate in the kite-flying competition that fills the atmosphere with electrifying energy, laughter, and joy.
The festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti symbolises the journey of the Sun to the northern direction, aka Uttar Disha. This festival is also a sign of the end of winter and the beginning of the summer season, and the Hindu New Year. The first International Kite Festival in Gujarat was organised in 1989, where master kite makers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the USA participated.
The symbolic meaning of this festival is to awaken the Gods and Devas from their deep slumber. Indian history depicts that kite flying has always been a significant part of our culture. Even the royalties used to follow this tradition in the pre-colonial era.
Later in history, the Nawabs of Hindustan found kite flying a really interesting sport. And then soon, the sport started to gain more popularity and began reaching the masses.
Major Attractions of International Kite Festival 2023 in Gujarat
Celebrated every 14th of January; the International Kite Festival attracts many participants and tourists worldwide. The festival is packed with sights, activities, and fun that keep tourists engaged, happy, and joyous. Let us have a look at some of the major attractions of Kite Festival 2023.
1. The Patang Bazaar
Throughout the festival week, the bazaars are decorated with various forms of kites giving ample choices to people. The Patang Baazar remains open 24x7 on all days. And despite the huge crowd and chaos that ensues here, the Patang Bazaar remains a beautiful travel spot for tourists to explore. You would be quite surprised to know that the price of the kites here can range between Rs.5 and Rs.5,000. Interesting, isn't it?
2. The Kite Fighting Competitions
During this festival, people are quite charged to participate in this event, where they try to tear down the string of the opponent’s kites. Generally, small kites that are not particularly stable are used in the combination of aerial combat. And before the kite is ready to fly, the string is coated with a mixture of crushed glass and glue. This combination is known as Manjha.
3. Food Bazaar
International Kite Festival of India is a hub of lip-smacking food stalls that serve various scrumptious options like Muthiya, Dhokla, Khandvi, etc. Then there is Chikki, which are deep-fried spirals of batter soaked in sugary syrup and best served when hot.
4. Glittering Night Sky
As dusk gives way to star-kissed night, thousands of tukkals or illuminated boxes are let into the sky. It seems as if glittering lights are gently floating away in the sky. It is undoubtedly one of the not-to-be-missed sights for everyone. It is a view that will stay in your memory for a lifetime.
5. Mouth-watering Gujarati Cuisines.
If you love Gujarati cuisine, this festival is the best place to taste some of the most typical Gujarati cuisines. Enjoy lip-smacking Undhiyo, til ladoo, jalebi, chikki, and more.
State-Wise Interpretations of International Kite Festival 2023
Besides Gujarat, the Kite festival is also celebrated in other parts of the country with unbridled joy and enthusiasm.
International Kite Festival Jaipur
A similar kind of kite festival is also celebrated in Jaipur, which is a 3-day annual event that marks Makar Sankranti. The people of Jaipur fly kites, hold kite flying competitions, and relish traditional cuisines like til ke laddoo, gajak, etc., which are made of sesame seeds and jaggery.
Kite Flying Festival Delhi
Delhites are not too far from vibrantly celebrating Makar Sankranti. Like Jaipur and Ahmedabad, people in Delhi organise kite flying events and competitions wherein they grant cash prizes and gifts to the winners. Food is another highlight of these events as people savour food items like Gajak, til laddu, Ghewar, khichdi, Churma, and different types of halwa.
How To Reach Ahmedabad for International Kite Festival 2023
Sabarmati West Riverfront in Ahmedabad is a significant and most visited tourist destination which various modes of transportation such as railways, roadways, and airways can easily reach. Here are the different modes of transportation that take you to this awe-inspiring city.
- Nearest Major City. Gandhinagar
- Nearest Airport. Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station
- Distance from Gandhinagar. 23 km
By Air
Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport is the nearest to reach the Sabarmati riverfront. From the airport, the riverfront is approximately 10 km away. One may take a local bus or hire a cab to reach the riverfront, which is nearly 20 minutes, via Airport road and Riverfront road.
- Distance from the airport. 10 km
By Train
Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station on Kalupur Road is the nearest to reach the Sabarmati riverfront. Arriving from Delhi, one may consider travelling via direct trains that take passengers on a comfortable journey to the city. After deboarding at the Ahmedabad Junction station, one may take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the riverfront via Swami Vivekananda Road.
- Distance from the railway station. 4 km
By Road
If you plan to travel by road, you may consider inter-state tourist buses. Geeta Mandir Bus Stand is a prominent bus stop where one may deboard the bus to reach the riverfront nearly 3 km away. Biking enthusiasts or people planning a long trip may also arrive here by road as the city is well connected with national highways.
- Distance from Gandhinagar. 23 km
- Distance from Nadiad. 47 km
- Distance from Vadodara. 103 km
- Distance from Bhavnagar. 148 km
- Distance from Rajkot. 201 km
- Distance from Udaipur. 205 km
- Distance from Surat. 232 km
- Distance from Ratlam. 256 km
- Distance from Delhi. 950 km
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Frequently Asked Questions About International Kite Festival, Ahmedabad
Ques 1. Kite festival is celebrated in which state?
Ans 1. Kite Festival is celebrated with great pomp and show in Gujarat.
Ques 2. When is the kite festival in 2023?
Ans 2. The Kite Festival 2023 will be held from 14th January 2023. It is an 8-day festival.
Ques 3. Who organises the international kite festival in Ahmedabad?
Ans 3. Tourism Corporation of Gujarat organises the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad. It is one of the grandest festivals celebrated in the state.
Ques 4. How do they celebrate the kite-flying festival in Gujarat?
Ans 4. It is quite a delight to see the joyful faces of the people participating in this grand event. Thousands of kites flying in the sky depict various hues and colours. Locals and foreign tourists participate in a kite-flying competition that fills the atmosphere with electrifying energy, laughter, and joy.
Ques 5. Which festival is also known as the kite festival?
Ans5. Makar Sankranti, also known as the kite festival.
