The Kite Festival
1. Introduction to Kite Flying
- In earlier times, children flew kites for fun, especially during holidays.
- Traditional kites were made of kite paper and thin wooden frames.
- Modern kites include motorised and fibreglass kites.
- Kite-flying has become an activity enjoyed worldwide.
2. History and Origin
- Inspired by Greek, Indian, and other mythological stories.
- Represents the human desire to fly.
- Box kites invented over 100 years ago.
- These may have inspired the design of power-driven aeroplanes.
3. Kite Flying in India
- Kite flying is a traditional sport in India.
- Popular during Spring (Basant) and Makar Sankranti.
- Celebrated across India by people of all ages.
- In cities, terraces and rooftops are used due to lack of open spaces.
4. Makar Sankranti – Gujarat Celebration
- Celebrated on January 13 or 14.
- Coincides with Uttarayan (sun begins journey northward).
- Marks the end of winter.
- Considered a holiday in Gujarat; business stops.
- Kite flying begins at dawn and continues all day.
- People of all ages participate.
- Celebrated with music, food, and excitement.
- Objective: To cut rival kites using special threads.
5. International Kite Festival – Ahmedabad
- Organised by Gujarat State Tourism Corporation.
- Held at Sardar Patel Stadium or Police Stadium.
- Attracts kite flyers from countries like Japan, USA, UK, etc.
- Displays exotic and creative kites (e.g., eagle, snake shapes).
- Indian paper kites compete with international designs.
- Spectators watch in amazement.
6. The Kite Bazar (Patang Bazar)
- Located in the heart of Ahmedabad.
- Open 24×7 for a whole week.
- Streets are crowded all night with kite buyers.
- Haggling (bargaining) is common.
- Skilled craftsmen demonstrate:
- Kite-making techniques.
- Preparation of special kite thread.
- Thread is coated with glue and ground glass.
- Thread is wound on ‘firkees’ (reels).
- Threads are very sharp, can cut fingers if handled carelessly.
7. Night Celebrations
- Nighttime flying involves illuminated box-kites called Tukals.
- Tukals are strung together and flown in groups.
- They light up the sky and compete with stars.
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