Photos: International Kite Festival brings ornate pieces to Ahmedabad skies

The festival of Uttarayan is a uniquely Gujarati phenomenon, when the skies over most cities in the state are taken over by kites. The annual international kite festival began January 06 this year and will culminate on the day of the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti, January 14. Visitors drop by from all around India for the celebration and international kite flying enthusiasts from countries elsewhere include Japan, Italy, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, the USA, Malaysia, Singapore, France, China, among many more.

Updated on: Jan 07, 2019 12:37 PM IST

News

Share via

• 
• 
• 
• 

Copy link

• 

1/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 07, 2019 12:37 PM

Kite flyers from across the country and abroad are participating in the 30th iteration of the international kite festival that kicked off in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Sunday. Uttarayan, the kite festival is held annually on the city’s Sabarmati riverfront. (Siddharaj Solanki / HT Photo)

2/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 07, 2019 12:37 PM

Gujarat Governor OP Kohli and state Chief Minister Vijay Rupani inaugurated the event on the Sabarmati riverfront. (Siddharaj Solanki / HT Photo)

3/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 07, 2019 12:37 PM

People fly kites as they participate in the festival. Nationals of 45 countries and people from 13 states within the country are taking part in the kite festival this year. (Sam Panthaky / AFP)

4/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 07, 2019 12:37 PM

Artists plays drums during the kite festival. Uttarayan has become an integral cultural component to brand Gujarat and also helps boost local artisans who make these kites. (Ajit Solanki / AP)

5/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 07, 2019 12:37 PM

A kite flier hoists a frog shaped kite during the festival. Around 151 participants including nationals of the United States, United Kingdom, Cambodia and Nepal have arrived to participate in this event. (Siddharaj Solanki / HT Photo)

6/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 07, 2019 12:37 PM

Enthusiasts launch pirate shaped kite on the first day of this nine-day festival. Governor Kohli said the festival inspires healthy competition and a spirit of brotherhood among different communities. (Santosh Hirlekar / PTI)

7/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 07, 2019 12:37 PM

Colourful kites of various shapes and sizes head for the sky in Ahmedabad. In Gujarat, kites are popularly flown during the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti which falls on January 14. (Siddharaj Solanki / HT Photo)

8/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 07, 2019 12:37 PM

School children perform yoga during the inauguration ceremony of the festival. Organised to mark the approaching end of winter on Makar Sankranti --as the sun leaves the month of the winter solstice-- kite-enthusiasts throng to the city’s markets the night prior to purchase supplies for fierce mid-air competitions. (Sam Panthaky / AFP)

9/9

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jan 07, 2019 12:37 PM

A tiger shaped kite takes over the sky after the inauguration. This year, the Gujarat government has also decided to organise a kite festival at Kevadia, the site of the Statue of Unity, a memorial to Sardar Patel and the also the world’s tallest statue. (Siddharaj Solanki / HT Photo)