Kite festival in India

The kite festival in India is known as “Makar Sankranti” or “Uttarayan.” It is a vibrant and colorful celebration that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar in Hindi), which usually occurs around January 14th. The festival signifies the end of winter and the beginning of longer days.

The kite festival in India is known as “Makar Sankranti” or “Uttarayan.” It is a vibrant and colorful celebration that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar in Hindi), which usually occurs around January 14th. The festival signifies the end of winter and the beginning of longer days.

Here are some key features of the kite festival in India:

1. Date and Significance: Makar Sankranti is typically celebrated on January 14th or 15th every year. It marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.
2. Kite Flying: The most significant aspect of the festival is the tradition of flying kites. People of all ages come together on rooftops and open grounds to fly kites of various shapes, sizes, and colors. The sky becomes a canvas of colorful kites as participants engage in friendly kite-flying competitions.
3. Special Kite Markets: In the days leading up to Makar Sankranti, special markets are set up where people can buy kites, strings (manja), and other accessories. These markets are bustling with activity as people prepare for the festival.
4. Kite Competitions: Kite-flying competitions are a common feature during the festival. Participants showcase their kite-flying skills, and prizes are awarded for the best-designed kites and the ones that remain aloft the longest.
5. Traditional Foods: Like many Indian festivals, Makar Sankranti is associated with special foods. In different regions of India, people prepare and share dishes made from sesame seeds, jaggery, and various grains. In some places, tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets) are exchanged as a symbol of sweetness and goodwill.
6. Cultural Significance: The festival holds cultural and religious significance. In some parts of India, people take ritualistic dips in holy rivers, especially the Ganges. The day is also associated with harvest festivals in various states.
7. Regional Variations: While the festival is celebrated across India, it goes by different names in different regions, such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, Magh Bihu in Assam, and so on. Each region adds its unique cultural touch to the celebrations.

list of places to celebrate kite festival

The kite festival, known as Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in various parts of India. Here’s a list of places where you can experience vibrant and colorful kite festivals:

1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Ahmedabad is famous for its International Kite Festival held during Uttarayan. The sky is filled with kites of all shapes and sizes, and the festival attracts participants from around the world.
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan: The Pink City celebrates Makar Sankranti with fervor. The skies are adorned with kites, and there are often kite-flying competitions and cultural events.
3. Vadodara, Gujarat: Vadodara hosts a lively kite festival with locals and visitors participating in kite-flying competitions and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
4. Delhi: The capital city sees widespread celebrations during Makar Sankranti. People gather on rooftops and open spaces to fly kites, and various cultural events are organized.
5. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: The holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges celebrates Makar Sankranti with religious rituals, kite-flying, and cultural events.
6. Mumbai, Maharashtra: In Mumbai, people celebrate Makar Sankranti by flying kites on the city’s beaches and rooftops. The festival has a unique urban charm in the bustling metropolis.
7. Patang Mahotsav, Gujarat: This kite festival in Gujarat is celebrated in cities like Surat, Rajkot, and Vadodara. It attracts kite enthusiasts from across the state and beyond.
8. Hyderabad, Telangana: The kite festival in Hyderabad is a colorful affair with various events and competitions. The cityscape is transformed as kites of all colors and sizes fill the sky.
9. Jodhpur, Rajasthan: Jodhpur celebrates Makar Sankranti with traditional fervor. The Mehrangarh Fort is a popular spot for kite-flying enthusiasts during the festival.
10. Udaipur, Rajasthan: The City of Lakes embraces the kite festival with enthusiasm. The clear skies and picturesque surroundings add to the beauty of the celebrations.
11. Kolkata, West Bengal: Although not as widespread as in some other regions, Kolkata has its own unique way of celebrating Makar Sankranti with kite-flying and cultural events.
12. Pune, Maharashtra: Pune witnesses lively kite-flying competitions and events during Makar Sankranti. The festival is celebrated with enthusiasm in the city and its outskirts.

These are just a few examples, and many other towns and cities across India celebrate the kite festival with equal enthusiasm. The celebrations may vary in intensity and style, but the common thread is the joyous spirit of flying kites and embracing the arrival of warmer days.