Sky fills with spectacular designs! Hundreds of kitists participate in 31st International Kite Festival in Gujarat

Ahmedabad, January 8: The 31st International Kite Festival was inaugurated by Gujarat governor Acharya Devvrat and CM Vijay Rupani at Sabarmati Riverfront on Tuesday amid the presence of country representatives in India and state ministers. 

 

 

 

As a part of the official celebration of 'Uttarayan' or 'Makar Sankranti', Ahmedabad has been hosting the International Kite Festival since 1989. Rupani in his speech said that those who believe the celebration of the festivals by the state government as 'gimmick' should know that it promotes tourism and highlights the state's culture. The festival will continue till January 13 at Sabarmati Riverfront for the citizens.

 

Over 150 kitists from India and abroad are participating in the event. The kitists from across the globe were ready with their kites on the banks of Sabarmati River on Tuesday afternoon but wind did not support their endeavors. Barring a few, the kitists were forced to wait for better weather, dampening spirits of the kitists and spectators alike.

 

 

 

The kites used here aren't regular kites, but massive ones in all shapes and sizes. From the Indian tricolour to even cartoon characters, the kites are vibrant and make for a stunning display. There are participants coming in from other countries like such as Japan, Italy, UK, Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, the USA, Malaysia. Utilising different materials, people design their own kites and to look at them launching in the sky is a spectator's delight.

 

Kitists were enthusiastic about the festival. However, the prices of the kites are much higher than earlier. Owner of a kite shop in Surat, said: "The sales have gone down by 70 percent here. Not many customers are buying kites citing high prices.