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Fly high, Aim higher, Set out your kite string, and enjoy the sky-high merrimaking!
Come Makar Sankranti, kites of vibrant colours and unique shapes fill the sky across India, bringing in new hope and new beginnings. The harvest festival of Makar Sankranti [A2] signifies the end of the sun’s southward journey as it touches the tropic of Capricorn. It is observed as the sun’s movement starts towards the northern hemisphere, which is a 6-month-long sacred period for the Hindus, known as Uttarayana[A3] . Although Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India in different ways, the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Karnataka, are some of the best places to enjoy the festivities.
Kite flying is a quintessential part of Makar Sankranti. People take to their terraces in large groups and fly kites of different sizes, shapes, and colours. The history of the practice of kite-flying dates back to the era of the Nawabs who had popularised it, not just as a form of entertainment, but as a sport to display their skills[A4] Soon, it became a popular activity across the country.
I have experienced these lively Makar Sankranti celebrations in various parts of India. The skies get embroidered with colourful forms and the ambience is of festive cheer all around. During the days preceding the festival, I found Kite-makers getting hard at work expressing their creative genius and competitions among the fliers started to get intense.
The festival is a delight for Photography enthusiasts like me, as opportunities to capture the pulse of the festival abound. Various cultural events and sports activities, which are organised as part of the celebrations, add to this delightful experience.
Here is a curated list of destinations I have visited to take part in the Uttarayana celebrations
Also known as Uttarayana, this famous kite festival of Ahmedabad [A5] is one of the largest in India. The first International Kite Festival was celebrated here in 1989 and people from all around the world gathered here to fly their unique kites. My travel-weary steps were re-energized while watching the kite fights and dipping into the delicious Gujarati savouries. From rustic relishes like Undhiyu to heart-warming Tilgul-chikki or piping hot Jalebis for those who have a sweet tooth, I took my picks from the numerous offerings! Gradually, darkness descended; the setting sun added splendour to the sky of the dancing kites.
But the festival was not over! The darkness was driven away by the release of the ‘Tukkals’ or candle-carrying kites. To get immersed into the spirit of the Uttarayana festival, visiting Ahmedabad in the days leading up to the festival is ideal. A walk past the Patang Bazaar of Delhi Diwaraja revved up my feelings for this colourful festival. The hustle and bustle of this kite market is sure to leave one craving for more!
Useful information: This year, the festival is organised from January 8 to January 14 at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ashram Road.
Relatively new, this festival was started in 2016 by the Tourism and Cultural department of Telangana where national and international kite flyers were invited to participate. As the rich tapestries of numerous kites adorn the grounds and gradually go up to cover the sky, the magic unfurls at the Parade Grounds of Hyderabad.
This place is especially known for its kite flying after sunset on the first and second nights of the festival. Along with the kites, the sky is lit by celebratory lamps resembling celestial bodies. On the closing night, this event is followed by a grand display of cultural performances including music and dance.
While mesmerized by the exhibitions, I did not miss treating myself with the irresistible savouries of Telangana from the food stalls strewn across the festival ground. And neither could I overlook the state’s handloom and handicrafts stalls that were displaying excellent offerings.
From connoisseurs of culture to curious travellers, I felt this festival draws everyone equally. I can guarantee that it will be an excellent treat to the senses!
Imp to know: Hyderabad International Kite Festival Dates – 14 Jan – 16 Jan @ Parade Grounds
Last year late January, I found myself completely immersed in the Hampi Utsav that takes place in the historical town of Hampi. The spectacle started with rainbow-coloured sashes filling up the sun-kissed skies as the cool breeze intensified the excitement in the ambience! Whether one is looking for an ultra-competitive kite fight, complete with razor-sharp manjha or glass-laced string and endless rolling of the spools, or an experience of the splendour and glory of the surrounding Vijayanagara empire, Hampi has a place for every traveller.
A special attraction of this festival is its kite-making session open to all. It was a welcome distraction for me and while working I found my creative abilities reaching great heights. As I have experienced, the manjha or the kite string is made very sharp with powdered glass for it to be able to cut another and win! Specially made gloves and bandages come to the rescue and it is the right measure to enjoy this exhilarating activity!
Roaming around, a host of Photography contests, Rangoli and Mehndi competitions got me curious; however, soon I was distracted by the water adventure sports, puppet shows, music, dance, and, drama performances. They were too exciting to ignore, and left me on my toes all the while!
Imp to know: Hampi Utsav or Vijaya Utsav Dates - January 27, 28, 29,
The rose-tinted Pink city gets overridden by the myriad colours of hundreds of kites that start to welcome the Jaipur kite festival[A8] . Sponsored by the Rajasthan tourism department, the 3 festival days have been memorable. This edition of the kite festival prides itself on exhibiting the history and colours of Rajasthan. In Rajasthan, colour is almost synonymous with its culture.
The festival was kickstarted in a chilly mid-day of January, and people came in droves to soak in the sun. The Kite War and the Friendly Kite Flying are the two main attractions, and I enjoyed them to the hilt. The cultural performances were a riot of colours! They brought the Rajasthani folk tales alive. The brilliant local singers and dance troupes filled the ambience with enchanting melodies and deft choreographies praising the virtues of the legends of Rajasthan. Completed my Rajasthani adventure with its heart-warming delicacies.
Imp to know: Jaipur International Kite Festival Dates – 14 Jan
Come Makar Sankranti, the historically rich Marwar region gets ready for a 3-day fiesta at the Jodhpur Polo Ground. The gala opening starts with unique displays by the Indian Air Force and a release of a large number of kites. Along with that hundreds of schoolchildren let-loose balloons that fill the chilly January sky of Jodhpur. It’s a visual spectacle like no other!
I was momentarily lost in this amazing start of the celebration but soon woke up to the kite-flyers competition that was reaching great heights. I have witnessed two major competitions during this festival: the Fighter Kite Competition and the Display Kite Competition. The final round of the competition took place in the Umaid Bhawan Palace, which speaks volumes of the grandeur of the Marwar kingdom. The lively and beautiful fanfare of the desert festival at this regal backdrop is unforgettable.
Imp to know: Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival Date – 14 Jan
Whether you are looking to soak in the Rajasthani culture, Gujarati hospitality, or south Indian Pongal traditions, Makar Sankranti is a great time to revel in the diverse cultures of India. Kite-flying is a nationwide tradition and people engage in it with great fervour.
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