Remember during your childhood when you would get excited seeing flights taking off? Arguably, that was our first inspiration to become pilots and fly planes. Unfortunately, life happened, but where there’s a will there’s always a way. Flying kites has come close – people of all engage in this age-old practice, either for religious reasons or simply for fun. One such Indian state where flying kites is so prominent that the practice is ingrained in the very culture is Gujarat. Ahmedabad, one of the most populous cities of India, hosts one of the biggest kite flying festivals in the country – the International Kite Flying Festival.
History Of The Ahmedabad International Kite Festival
Let’s rewind a bit. Kite flying has always been around in Gujarati culture but it didn’t make its place as a proper festival until 1989. It was only then that kite flying was recognized as an integral part of the Uttarayan celebration, without which Uttarayan wouldn’t have garnered the charm it has today.
Eventually, it was the kites that stole the limelight because of the huge sizes and variations in the design that attracted tourists in heavy numbers. Since then, Ahmedabad has been hosting the kite flying festival which by now has become an internationally recognized event. In the past years, it has become a trend for expert kite makers from different countries to arrive in Ahmedabad with their giant banners and fighting kites.
What Is The Ahmedabad International Kite Festival?
The International Kite Flying Festival is like the ultimate airborne party, and it all goes down in Gujarat, India. This colorful shindig happens at the Sabarmati Riverfront during the Uttarayan festival. Uttarayan marks the beginning of warmer days in India. During the kite festival, the skies above various cities of Gujarat come alive with a spectacular display of kites, but Ahmedabad outshines them all.
How Is It Celebrated?
Kites of all shapes, sizes, and bright colors are flown with a fiercely competitive spirit. Although it’s called a festival, the essence of all the festivities is the battle of kites which steals the show. The battle is to cut the string of other kites and bring them down and believe us, this can get intense!
Folks in the competition book slots with the favored kite-makers who make strong and resilient kite bodies. A frame of bamboo is made over the kite paper and is stretched to get that right tension so it can fly efficiently. Your bloodied hands can credit the string that’s coated with a combination of glue and glass, but the competition must go on.
Patang Bazar or the kite market will be one of the most crowded places you’ll see there. It’s so crowded that the shops stay open for literally 24 hours for a whole week before the festival so buyers can stock up sufficiently. Besides the flying competition, the festive ambiance poses the perfect opportunity for people to catch up for old times sake and refresh memories.
While the sight of vibrant hues and beautifully decked houses is truly memorable, the nights of the Ahmedabad Kite Festival are equally gorgeous with white kites and Chinese lanterns that fill the sky. To reduce the hunger grumbles, you must hog on the traditional Gujarati cuisine. On your trip there, don’t miss out on watching master kite maker and flier Rasulbhai Rahimbhai who is known to fly 500 kites on a single string! Maybe even compete and try to win (unlikely but it’s the efforts that count).
How To Get To Ahmedabad?
By Airways: The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport provides excellent air facilities for both domestic and international flights. As a major destination, the airport is connected to all major Indian cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai.
By Railways: Ahmedabad Junction, the major railway station, is well-connected to the rest of the country. The railway station is 6 kilometers from the city center, and there is local transport available to take you to the International Kite Festival.
By Roadways: Ahmedabad is well connected through major towns and cities. The Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) connects the city to nearby cities like Bhavnagar, Surat, Mumbai, and Pune via NH 8.
Where To Stay In Ahmedabad?
After an exciting day amidst the crowds, it’s time to retire so you can rejuvenate for the next day of competition and fun. Pick from the hotels mentioned below depending on your range of comfort and budget.
- Hotel Avaante: INR 2,283 per night
- Hotel Skylon: INR 3,930 per night
- Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad: INR 5,459 per night
- Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel: INR 5,990 per night
- Novotel Ahmedabad: INR 6,045 per night
- Hyatt Ahmedabad: INR 6,081 per night
- Artilla Inn (Hotel – Conference -Banquet): INR 9,260 per night
Places To Visit
If you’ve got time on your hands after the Kite Festival you can visit the following places in Ahmedabad:
- Dada Hari Wav: The stepwell has seven levels and is known for its efficient water conservation. It can also host multiple visitors simultaneously. The overall design of the Dada Hari Wav is a remarkable example of Gujarati architecture and detailed stone artistry.
- Swaminarayan Temple: The Swaminarayan temple in Ahmedabad, adorned with vibrant colors and detailed carvings, exemplifies nineteenth-century architecture. The temple is a popular destination particularly on the day after Diwali, for darshan.
- Kankaria Lake: Formerly known as Hauz-e-Qutub, is the second-largest lake in Ahmedabad. It is located near the Maninagar area. The balloon safari, zoo, toy trains, and amusement park are popular around the lake.
- Sidi Saiyyed Mosque: This mosque in Ahmedabad is one of the last few built under the Gujarat Sultanate, finished in the final year of their rule before the Mughals invaded and defeated them. The mosque is renowned for its ten intricately carved stone windows, known as Jalis.
- Hutheesing Jain Temple: Built in 1848, the Hutheesing Jain Temple stands as a revered Jain temple in Ahmedabad. Dedicated to the 15th Tirthankara of Jains, Lord Dharmanath, this two-story white marble structure houses 11 deity sculptures.
Summing Up
January winters sure are cozy but the late winters are better celebrated on rooftops with flying kites. Take it to a whole new level competitive spirit of yours at the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad!
FAQs
Where Is The Kite Festival In Ahmedabad 2024?
The International Kite Festival is celebrated annually in Ahmedabad, Gujarat from 8 to 14 January.
How Much Is The Ticket For Kite Festival 2024 In Ahmedabad?
There is no ticket or entry fee for the International Kite Festival.
Which Is The Biggest Kite Festival In Gujarat?
The International Kite Festival, also known as Uttarayan is the biggest kite festival celebrated in Gujarat.
What Are The Festivals In Ahmedabad?
Uttarayan, Deepawali, Navratri, Holi, and Ganesh Chaturthi are some of the festivals that are celebrated very enthusiastically in Gujarat.
Why Is The International Kite Festival Celebrated?
According to the traditional Hindu calendar, the International Kite Festival marks the start of the new harvest season for farmers. Makar Sankranti is the beginning of the harvest season.
