The international kite festival is celebrated in India on January 14 every year. It is widely known as Makar Sankranti in the country. On this festival, people of all age groups delve into the beauty of the day by flying kites. It is specially celebrated in Jaipur as a kite flying competition among different groups. In fact, the Government of Rajasthan organizes the international kite festival in India wherein expert kite makers showcase their vibrant and beautiful kites. The international kite festival in India is indeed a fun and delightful occasion. Like so many other festivals celebrated in India, this festival also has a cultural and historic significance associated with it. There are two main reasons to witness this beautiful festival, one being that flying colorful and vibrant kites with your friends and family under the winter sun on the rooftop is certainly an unparalleled experience. The second one is that the joy of flying kites and cutting strings of other kites and cheering is unbeatable, and the air is mesmerizingly euphoric. It is a tradition at this festival to offer til laddoos (sweets made of jaggery and sesame seeds) to your guests.
Which Regions Of India Celebrate The International Kite Festival?
North India is definitely the place to be for the kite-flying festival held on January 14 every year. Tourists can witness the spirit of this festival in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Every year, the state of Gujarat celebrates hundreds of festivals but the favorite one of all is the legendary international kite festival which is also known as Uttarayan in Gujarat. This unique festival invites notable participation of kite flyers from all over the world. The skyline of the cities in Gujarat is filled with different colors, sizes, and varieties of kites from before dawn until after dark, thereby presenting a panoramic view for the onlookers. As the kite flyers battle it at the competition, friends and families come together on rooftops to enjoy a relaxed picnic in the backdrop of this vibrant event.
| Date | City & Venue | Kite Festival Visit Timings |
| 08-Jan | Vadodara – Navlakhi Ground | 10 am – 5 pm |
| 08-Jan | Rajkot – Race Course Ground | 10 am – 5 pm |
| 09-Jan | Kevadiya- Helipad Ground | 10 am – 5 pm |
| 09-Jan | Porbandar – Chaupati Ground | 10 am – 5 pm |
| 10-Jan | Surat – Riverfront | 10 am – 5 pm |
| 11-Jan | Saputara – Governor Hill | 10 am – 5 pm |
| 11-Jan | Dhordo – White Rann | 10 am – 5 pm |
| 12-Jan | Mehsana – Police Stadium Ground | 10 am – 5 pm |
| 13-Jan | Jamkandorna – Boys Hostel Ground | 10 am – 5 pm |
| 14-15 January | Ahmedabad – Sabarmati Riverfront | 10 am – 5 pm |
Note: Cultural programs will be held at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad from 7th to 13th January (Timings: 8 pm-10 pm)
Now, let’s talk about the princely state of Rajasthan. The international kite festival holds a long-standing history in this state. The tradition of flying kites is related to Makar Sankranti. The locals celebrate this day by flying kites from their rooftops. Competitions are organized at this festival as well. The locals fly kites on Makar Sankranti because they get to enjoy the benefits of the winter sun. During cold months, our bodies tend to get infected and we end up suffering from a cold or cough, and even our skin tends to get dry during this season. When the Sun moves in Uttarayan, its rays serve as medicine for the body. During kite flying, the body is constantly exposed to the rays of the sun, thereby eliminating most of the infections and insanitation.
On this festival, the people of Jaipur take a holy dip in Galtaji. It is an important pilgrimage in Pink City. They pray to the sun god to bless them with wealth, good health, and good crops. On this day, the skyline of the city turns all colorful with beautiful kites in the sky. Makar Sankranti is also a government holiday that naturally boosts the fun of the festivities. Shopkeepers and vendors keep their shops closed, banks remain shit, and all the locals delve into the spirit of the kite festival. There are several kite clubs that organize kite-flying competitions in January. In fact, the State Government also organizes the International Kite Festival in Jaipur for a stretch of three days wherein kite flyers from across the world come to participate.
The festival is inaugurated in the Jaipur Polo Ground and is categorized into two sections, one being the popular Kite War and the other one being the Friendly Kite Flying Session. The last day of celebration and the prize distribution is held after three days of immaculate celebration in the royal premises of Umaid Bhawan Palace. Crowded rooftops, fun rivalry to outdo one another, and mouthwatering feasts are the hallmarks of the day. People are seen reveling in the appetizing flavors of sweets that are prepared specially for this festival.
Jaipurites celebrate this festival with many sugary delights made of sesame seeds like Gajak, Til Laddoo, and Feeni. The best time to visit Rajasthan is in January as not only do you get to indulge in the touristy things in pleasant weather but you also get to enjoy the rusk and spirit of Makar Sankranti. You can go on a Golden Triangle Tour Package and explore the magnificent tourist attractions at the best time of the year.
Exclusive India Journeys offers customized royal Rajasthan tour packages at highly affordable prices wherein you get to explore the princely state, indulge in Rajasthani delicacies, and experience true royalty. So, get in touch with us today and book your package to enjoy the beautiful kite festival in Jaipur.
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