Kite Festival

Why do they put wire on their scooters?

During the last week, the inhabitants of Ahmedabad added a strange wire on their scooters.

Similar to a windshield, but without the transparent plastic, just the frame. Why?

It is part of the preparation for the kite festival.

During the last two days the sky was full with thousands of colorful kites. The frame on scooters protects the rider from being hurt by the sharp flying threads.

The kite festival in India, known as Uttarayan, is a vibrant celebration that paints the sky with a kaleidoscope of colors.

Taking place during a full moon in January, this festival marks the end of winter and the onset of longer days, symbolizing new beginnings and the harvesting season. Doing my endless and joyful research for SattvaBestofIndia, I spent one day in the middle of this festive crowd. 

In cities like Ahmedabad, the atmosphere becomes electric as people of all ages take to their rooftops, armed with colorful kites. The air is filled with the sounds of laughter, excited shouts, and the distinctive ‘dhabak’ of kites being sent soaring high into the sky. 

Food stalls dot the streets, offering masks, trumpets, toys and delicious treats like tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets), chikki, and other festive snacks, enhancing the communal spirit of the festival. Families gather to enjoy these delights, sharing stories and laughter as they watch their kites dance in the wind.

Street vendors supply trumpets and they spin and dye endless threads. The treatment makes the flying thread not only colored, but also very sharp – an actual offensive weapon.

Competitions abound as kite enthusiasts engage in friendly battles, trying to cut each other’s strings, a thrilling sport known as ‘kite fighting.’ Unfortunately, these battles do have their victims: birds, animal, sometimes humans can be severely wounded by these razor-like threads. The sight of a kite gracefully gliding through the air, its tail fluttering in the wind, evokes a sense of freedom and joy. When kite fall from a rooftop, kids would grab them to re-sell. 

The kites come in various shapes and sizes—traditional diamond-shaped kites dominate, but you’ll also find unique designs featuring everything from birds to superheroes. Each kite is meticulously crafted, often adorned with intricate patterns and bright hues that shimmer like jewels against the clear blue sky.

As the sun begins to set, the sky transforms into a magical canvas, with the silhouettes of colorful kites against the golden horizon. The kite festival is not just a celebration of the sport; it is a testament to the rich culture and spirit of togetherness that defines India. Each kite means wishes cast into the sky, hopes and dreams shared among friends and families, making the festival a truly enchanting experience.