International Kite Festival

International Kite Festival, also known as Uttarayan is a unique festival in Gujarat that is marked by flying kites of different shapes and sizes. On this day, kites of various shapes and sizes cover up the expanse of the sky making it a distinct phenomenon. Apart from fun, the festival also signifies the day from when the transformation from winter to summer initiates. The day is also known as Makar Sankranti according to Hindu mythology.

The International Kite Festival is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm throughout Gujarat. The festival involves a competition to bring down nearby kites by cutting their stings.

The strings, attached to kites are applied with spool or manja. During the festival, the city of Ahmedabad boasts a colorful look. As you enter the city, you will see kites sold in the various streets of the city. Moreover, there is also a special kite market in the city known as Patang Bazaar. This market remains open for 24 hours for weeks before the festival.

The International Kite Festival in Gujarat is an integral part of the tradition and culture of Gujarat. Apart from flying kites, the festival also involves a number of traditions. It's not only the kite fliers who gather on the rooftop. The whole family takes part in the celebration. Traditional foods like laddoos, surati jamun and undhyu are also prepared during the day. Hence, the particular festival also acts an event of social gathering. The Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad becomes the epicenter of this festival as you can find almost all kinds of kites hovering over the sky of this stadium.

Large number of tourists visits the state of Gujarat during this festival to take part in the celebration. Visiting the state during the time of International Kite Festival in Gujarat will provide you an in-depth look into the rich culture of the state. The festival will be celebrated in January 14th, 2013.