Kite Festivals in India – Everything You Need to Know About the Uttarayan, the Festival of Kites

The New Year indicates the beginning of several bright and colorful festivals in India. The January month sees the nation wake up to numerous celebrations of important harvest festivals of India such as Lohri, Pongal, Makar Sankranti, and more. Related with these harvest festivals, unique events and festivities celebrated in India, such as the Kite Festival.

The Kite Festival in India held at several different destinations and Uttarayan, the Festival of Kites is the most popular one in India. Let’s have a look at some best places to visit for kite festivals celebration in India. The Kite Festival is not any kind of joke, however, it’s a genuine competition where several talents compete with each other and the best one wins.

For the kite flying competitions in India, special kites are additionally being prepared, with spools of thread specially coated with rice paste and glass powder to make the threads strong sharper to easily cut the rivals kites during the competition.

Uttarayan, the Festival of Kites

Uttarayan kite festival is also popular as the International Kite Festival in India. This is one of the biggest and most popular festivals celebrated in India with full zeal and fervor. It is celebrated on the occasion of Makar Sankranti every year. Makar Sankranti is also known as Maghi in North India especially in the Punjab region.

The significance of its name based on the day that the sun transitions into Makara (Capricorn). It marks the beginning of longer days and the end of the month of the winter solstice. There are very few festivals in India that are based on the solar cycle instead of the lunar cycle.

Makar Sankranti and therefore Uttarayan, the Festival of Kites falls on the 14th of January every year. The best part of this festival is, it welcomes everyone to participate irrespective of their gender, nationality or religion.

Where is Uttarayan Celebrated?

Uttarayan, the Festival of kites is mainly celebrated throughout the state of Gujarat, as well as in some other cities of Telangana and Rajasthan. The main event of the International Kite Festival is held in Ahmedabad and it fascinates spectators & participants from all across the globe. Ahmedabad is often called the Kite capital of Gujarat.

One of the best places to enjoy the Uttarayan Festival in Ahmedabad, India is by the Sabarmati Riverfront. The large area with a capacity of over 500 thousand remains flooded with bright and colorful kites. People of all ages participate in this event with smiling faces and reach there early in the morning. Another popular destination to celebrate the kite festival in Ahmedabad is the Ahmedabad Police Station. Here, one can relax down and experience the lovely view of the kite event.

Kite lovers from all over India visit there and there are also plenty of international tourists. The tourists, especially from countries like China, Japan, the UK, Malaysia, and France, participate in kite festivals in India. Approximately 8 to 10 million people participate in the kite festival in Gujarat every year.

History of Uttarayan Festival

Do you know, why do we celebrate the kite festival? Well, Uttarayan, the popular kite festival in India symbolizes the enlivening of the Gods from their deep sleep. It is also believed that the tradition of kite flying festival was brought to India by the Muslims from Persia.

The Nawabs and Kings of that time consider it an entertaining game and utilized it to show their skills and ability. Starting as a game for the Royalty, it soon started celebrated by the majority of people across the nation. Kite flying, in the long run, became one of the most famous sports in the Gujarat state. Eventually every year in Gujarat, various arrangements have been made for the Uttarayan festival celebration.

Rooftops and playing fields all are filled with colorful kits and people of all ages who gaze the sky to experience the vibrant view. The first International Kite Festival was commended in 1989 for individuals from all around the globe to display their innovative and unique kites.

1. The Kite Festival in Ahmedabad 2020

The International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad is celebrated in January. As we know January 2020 has begun, so, get ready to witness the grand vision of the sky turn bright and colorful with an array of kites of all shapes and colors flying across the sky of various parts of Gujarat. As we have discussed, the Kite flying festivities celebrated in Gujarat is known as Uttarayan Kite Festival or Makar Sankranti. It is a unique version of the thanksgiving festival in India.

People of all religions and caste happily take part in these traditions and rituals of India. Arranging kites while decorating especially for this day and flying it at the rooftop of the home is what every family in India has made an intrinsic part of the kite festival.

The International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad attracts people from all over the world to experience this exciting and fun-loving sport. In fact, the kite festival season nowadays seems like a short-term kite-making business opportunity. The Patang Market in Ahmedabad creates a buzz all around for weeks before the main event.

The range of variety in kite color, shape and pattern will boggle your mind when you visit Ahmedabad during kite Festival 2020. The festive activities consistently go with the same passion even throughout the night. Yes, you read that right, special innovative and illuminated bright kites are also glid in the dark.

You can take part in the International Kite Festival 2020 at any of the colorful destinations of Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Kevadia, Rajkot, Dwarka, Rajkot, Jetpur, Songadh, Dhordo and Saputara.

Kite Festival Ahmedabad 2020 Dates

Uttarayan kite Festival is happening all over Gujarat from Tuesday 7 January 2020 to Tuesday, 14 January 2020

2. Telangana International Kite Festival

The Telangana International Kite Festival is also a newer kind of kite festival which is as worth-watching and beautiful as the one in Ahmedabad. It began in the year 2016 and since then it takes place every year from 13th to 15th January at the Parade Grounds in Hyderabad. Last year twenty-seven kite clubs were hosted and it attracts a footfall of more than fifty thousand. Besides simple kite flying, it additionally includes fun and interactive workshops for kite making and many other cultural activities in Kite Festival.

The great part, the entry is absolutely free for people of all ages, caste, and religion. One of the most famous events in the kite festival in Telangana is a special event of night-time kite flying which takes place on the first and second night of the kite festival.

The last night of the kite festival brings an incredible closing ceremony with an array of traditional activities including dance, music and lots of fun. So, get ready and make sure the Telangana Kite Festival 2020 should be on your checklist to do begin your winter vacation holiday in 2020.

Telangana Kite Festival 2020 Dates – The International Kite Festival of Telangana will take place in Hyderabad on 13th, 14th & 15th of January 2020.

3. Jaipur International Kite Festival Celebrations 2020

The International Kite Festival in Jaipur is one of the Most Popular Festivals in Rajasthan. The most colorful and most-attended festival of Rajasthan offers   immense fun and frolic. This Jaipur Kite Festival is celebrated every year on the 14th of January which is the day of Makar Sankranti. The popularity of the International Kite Festival in Jaipur is such that it fascinates kite lovers from every corner of the nation. The excitement and thrill lingers in the sky and everyone feel enchanted.

Today, the Jaipur International Kite Festival has transformed into a spectacular event of the region. It brings huge participation of people all across the nation. The festival is commenced at the Jaipur Polo Ground.

The International kite festival of Jaipur is divided into two parts; one is the Kite War or Kite Fighting during the Kite Festival and the other is the Friendly Kite-Flying Session. On the last day of the festival, a prize distribution function also held in the Umaid Bhawan Palaces at the royal premises.

Kites of every color and shade such as indigo, blue, red, ochre, yellow, fuchsia, pink and orange against the natural blue sky is a dazzling sight to behold. Since dawn to dusk, people of all ages enjoy flying kites and rejoicing in the spirit of this fun-filled day.

Crowded terraces, the fun-loving competition to outdo each other, and lip-smacking feast are the center of attraction of the day. People are seen indulging in the scrumptious flavors of Rajasthani dishes and sweets prepared specially for this day.

Dates for International Kite Festival Jaipur 2020

Jaipur International Kite Festival 2020 will be celebrated all over the city for 3 days. The festival will begin on 14th January and the celebrations will be continuing until 16th January.

Visit to Patang Bazaar During Kite Festival 2020

Throughout the kite festival celebrations, markets are filled with kite sellers. Patang Bazaar is probably the most famous name of these markets and it is almost in every city where this festival is celebrated. These markets are open 24×7 during the kite festival weeks and always crowded with kite sellers selling different kinds of high-quality kites with intricate designs and buyers buying kites in bulk. Patang Bazaar is usually seen as chaotic and loud, but despite the huge crowd, it still remains immensely bright and colorful.

The price range of such kites can start from 5 to 5000 rupees and even more, depending upon the quality and size of the kite. Usually, most of these kites are handmade with thin paper and bamboo shoots. The ambiance of the Patang bazaar is truly beautiful and feels like a carnival. To experience the authentic taste of Incredible India, you must visit Patang Bazaars in India during the Uttarayan kite festival 2020.

Kite Fighting During the Kite Festival

The basic game played on the Uttarayan kite festival is kite fighting which is played between two people or groups. This game is played by using a kite and string to cut down someone else’s kite. We know that the Kite Fighting during the Kite Festival is based on such a small kite, but these small looking kites create big tension between competitors.

These kites are also known as Patang. Basically a thin hemp or cotton thread is used to fly a kite. However, before the flight, the cotton line is coated with rice powder or crushed glass mixed and glue which is known as Manjha.

This is used to make the thread sharper to cut down other’s kites easily. After cutting down another kite, the winner individual or team usually plays drums or dhol to celebrate the victory. Kite fighting is both an enjoyable and exciting sport and also creates a team spirit between participants.

Precautions during Kite Festival 2020

As kite festivals involve the use of extremely strong and sharp Manjha on the threads or strings, so, there are high chances that you may cut your fingers. Before flying kite yourself, ask for help from a tour guide or a friend known to you.

You can also wear a bandage or glove to prevent your fingers from sharp cuts that can happen during kite fighting. Kindly note that the Patang Bazaar’s during Uttarayan Kite festivals are home to many pickpockets. So, be aware of them and extremely careful about your belongings. Kite sellers also tend to increase kite prices during the festival for tourists so it would be better if you take help from a localized person or friend whom you can trust.

We hope, now, you have learned all about Uttarayan, the Festival of Kites, Where is Uttarayan Celebrated? All about the History of Uttarayan Festival, Telangana International Kite Festival, Kite Fighting during the Kite Festival, Why do we celebrate the kite festival? And when and Where in India is the international kite festival held every year?

Final Thoughts!!

So, get ready and join the festive mood of International kite festival in India 2020 and celebrate the awesome pleasure of flying kites.

If you are planning to attend the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad, Jaipur or Hyderabad this year, also make plans to stay at these beautiful cities to explore the various others destinations too. Especially, Jaipur is known for its royal heritage, so, go online and plan your vacation to Jaipur or whichever city you desire. And make sure you check out the Jaipur tour packages or any other tour package related to your go-to place to make your Visit to the kite festival 2020 a comfortable and affordable one.