Everything you need to know about the International Kite festival

Everything you need to know about the International Kite festival

The International Kite festival of Uttarayan is one of the reasons why Gujarat has become so immensely popular as a tourist destination among travelers all over the world. Earlier Gujarat was not that popular in the world, but now several people visit Gujarat during the time of the festival. It is not only crucial for Gujarat but quite crucial for India as well. Not only the entire area receives a surge of tourism, but the kites are sold in copious quantities to cater to the buyers.

Not only does the festival makes the entire surroundings colorful, but it also creates a pleasant ambiance as well. The whole sky gets covered in mesmerizing kites that change the scenario of the whole state. If you visit Gujarat during the International kite festival, you will be able to witness the spectacular kite flying competitions that take place during the festival. If you do not have much idea about the fantastic celebration, then this blog is perfect for you. Here, you will get to learn about all the essential details regarding the festival in great information.

What is the history of the kite festival held in Gujarat?

If you are an Indian, you know how much kite flying plays a vital role in the lives of the people of the country. Several festivals in India glorifies kite flying as a promising activity. So, it is quite natural that kite flying has become a major sport that can be credited to the Gujarat government. Even earlier, when the festival was not commenced, people used to fly kites competitively from their rooftops or the playgrounds of their neighborhoods. Eventually, the casual games turned into this massive festival, also known as international kite day. The festival is not only for the people who are experts at flying kites, but it is also for the people to make gorgeous kites since 1989. At the beginning of the festival, the tourism department of Gujarat sent invitations to the renowned experts in the field of kite flying or kite making to visit there and perhaps take part in the competition. Soon, the news spread across the globe, and people all around the world came to participate in the contest or the festival. Many kite-flyers collaborate with other kite-enthusiasts from another part of the world to take part in the competitions accompanied in the festival.

When will the kite festival take place in 2020?

In the upcoming year, the 2020 international kite festival will be held from January 6 to January 14. The dates of the festival held significance because, in 2020, Makar Sankranti will commence on January 6, and also it is known to be the end of winter. That is why the festival takes place during the beginning of January and is pretty promising for people of the Hindu community.

Where is the venue for the kite festival in Gujarat?

Though the festival is held all across Gujarat, the main competitions happen in Ahmedabad. For the past several years, Ahmedabad has been holding the finale of the international kite festival, and that is why the place is called the “kite capital of India.” Most people prefer to get the magnificent spectacle of the sky filled with colorful kites from the bank of the river Sabarmati because not only the area can accommodate more than 5 lakh visitors at the same time, but it is the most convenient area as well. Others also prefer the famous Ahmedabad Police Stadium, where people can view the beautiful kites by laying back and relaxing.

What are the highlights of the festival of kites?

International kite day is not only exciting for the kite-enthusiast people around the world, but it is also quite famous among the spectators as well. Not only the sky becomes immensely colorful due to the free kites, but they get to view the magnificent kites from different parts of the world. Some of the gorgeous kites that are not common in India include banner kites by the USA, Wau-Balang kites by Japan, sculptural kites by Italy, Flying dragon kites by China, and other different categories of kites as well that are not only massive but magnificent as well.

Apart from the kites, you will also get to meet several interesting people from over forty-five countries for over four days. In the 2020 international kite festival, you will get to relish the delicious delicacies of Gujarat that are available in the numerous food stalls surrounding the festival. You can easily buy colorful kites from the Patang bazar in Ahmedabad to participate in the competitions. Or else, you can be a spectator and enjoy the festival because it is not dull to view the beautiful kites.

What are the other attractions in Gujarat that one can visit?

Gujarat is an excellent state with several attractions. If you are visiting there for the international kite festival this January, then you can visit other major tourist spots in Gujarat as well. Not only will you be able to explore comfortably, but you will get clear weather as well.

Kutch

Kutch is one of the most famous tourist spots in not only Gujarat but India as well. Not only is the area known for the enormous production of salts, but it is visually scintillating as well. The entire area is white due to the presence of salts and looks like the moon quite figuratively. During the international kite day, the Kutch festival is also held every year. Usually, the festival starts in December and ends at the end of February. You will get to stay in the fantastic camps where the festival often happens and also you will get to buy beautiful items made by the people in the area. For entering Kutch, you will have to go to Bhuj. From there, you will find several public means of transport that will take you a fantastic place.

Gir National park

Gir national park is commonly known as the home to Asiatic lions, and by a visit there, you will be able to witness those magnificent beasts quite easily. According to the census taken in 2010, there are approximately 2375 lions present in the national park. The entire area consists of 2375 different categories of species of faunas. If you are a nature enthusiast, you must visit Gir because not only will you get to see lions, but you will also get to see 37 different species of reptiles and more than 300 categories of birds as well. You can visit the national park by visiting Junagarh, where there is a famous junction.

Somnath temple

Somnath temple is one of the most ancient and famous temples in India. It is the home to Lord Shiva and is renowned for the twelve Jyotirlingas that are present out there. The area is predominantly Hindu, and if you are spiritually inclined, this temple will be perfect for you. Many people even visit the Somnath museum to get authentic details about the area. The 2020 international kite festival is prevalent in the area surrounding Somnath temple as well. Though it is not held at a grand scale, the locals out there participate in the competitions from the rooftop of their house quite frequently.

Saputara

Saputara is such a place in Gujarat that is surrounded by the grandeur of the Sahyadri mountains of the Western Ghats. The area is not only beautiful, but it is far away from the hustle and bustle of the International Kite festival. If you are craving a few days of peace, you will have a great time in Saputara. The hill station is located at an altitude of 875 m and offers a variety of adventure activities to the tourists visiting there. Though the hill station is situated in Gujarat, it can easily be reached from Mumbai via trains or roads since it is located 250 km from Mumbai. You can trek in the multiple trails available out there quite efficiently and even view the daily lives of the tribal people out there.

Gandhinagar

Not only is Gandhinagar located 12 km from Ahmedabad, but it is the home to the grand Akshardham temple of Gujarat. Gandhinagar is also one of the main venues of the international kite festival and has several famous tourist spots, including Brahmani temple and Hanumanji temple. While visiting out there, do not forget to taste the palatable Gujarati dishes available out there, including Dhokla, Khakra, Bajra, and many more. Also, you must visit Gandhi Ashram to know about India’s freedom struggle and Mahatma Gandhi in depth.

The 2020 international kite festival has already gathered immense popularity, and several competitors for the kite-flying matches have enrolled their names from months before. If you are planning a trip to Gujarat to soak in the authentic experience of the international kite festival, you must book hotels in advance. Almost all the hotel-rooms are scheduled during that time, and usually, ticket prices are also quite high.