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Global Kite Flyers Praise Gujarat's Warmth at International Kite Festival

International participants from countries like the UK, Lebanon, and Turkey have expressed great enthusiasm for the International Kite Festival in Gujarat, praising the warm hospitality, food, and vibrant decorations. The festival, a key part of Uttarayan celebrations marking Makar Sankranti, is being held from January 10-14 with the main venue at Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Riverfront. Organized by the Gujarat Tourism Department, it attracts flyers from across the globe who bring special and handmade kites, some as long as 30 meters. The event also features kite-making workshops and highlights the host cities' initiatives in cleanliness and recycling.

Key Points: International Kite Festival in Gujarat Draws Global Praise

  • Global participants praise atmosphere
  • Festival runs Jan 10-14
  • Part of Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti
  • Sabarmati Riverfront main venue
  • Workshops for kids and tourists
2 min read

Gujarat: Flyers from abroad express enthusiasm at International Kite Festival

Kite flyers from London, Lebanon, Turkey & more praise the atmosphere, food, and vibrancy at Gujarat's International Kite Festival on the Sabarmati Riverfront.

"This is the best festival of the world - Rumy from Lebanon"

Surat, Jan 10

Kite flyers from across the world praised the atmosphere ahead of the International Kite Festival in Gujarat on Saturday, saying they are looking forward to taking part in the celebrations.

Speaking to IANS, Spini Marshall, a kite flyer from London said, "This is my third visit to India and my second visit to Surat. The people are extremely warm and feed us great food. Along with this, the decoration is wonderful as well. I am enjoying myself."

Rumy from Lebanon described it as the "best festival of the world".

He further reminisced about getting an opportunity earlier of meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him "fantastic" and "cool".

Sharing his excitement about participating in the festival, Sun from Turkey told IANS, "This is my first time in India. I had heard about India from people I met at other festivals, who always spoke very highly of it."

"Our kites are special with some colours along with famous characters such as Tom and Jerry. I hope to fly it today if we get a chance", he added.

Another kite flyer said, "This is the first time I am here. I am very excited to be here. I have a kite approximately 30 metres long, I hope the wind is strong enough for that to come up. We also have brought along some handmade ones."

She also praised the city's initiative towards cleanliness and recycling and described it as "vibrant".

Every January, the IKF, a part of the traditional Uttarayan celebrations, is held to mark Makar Sankranti, a major Hindu festival that heralds the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season.

The festival is being held from January 10 to January 14. The event is organised by the Gujarat Tourism Department and attracts kite flyers and visitors from across the world.

The main venue of the festival is the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, while celebrations will also take place in other cities of the state, including Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara and Dwarka.

Kite flyers from countries such as Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia and Indonesia will participate in the festival. Alongside them, traditional Indian kite makers will fly colourful 'patangs' and 'tukals', adding to the festive atmosphere.

Workshops on kite-making and kite-flying are also organised, especially for children and tourists, allowing them to learn more about the tradition.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Fantastic to see such positive feedback from international visitors. Gujarat Tourism is doing a great job promoting our festivals. The kite-making workshops for kids are a brilliant idea to keep the tradition alive.
A
Aman W
While the festival is great, I hope the local administration is ensuring that the celebrations, especially with such large kites, are safe and don't cause disruptions to power lines or air traffic. Safety first!
S
Sarah B
I visited last year from Canada! The energy is incredible. The food, the colors, the sound of thousands of kites in the sky... it's an experience everyone should have. The people of Surat were so welcoming.
V
Vikram M
Heartwarming to read. Makar Sankranti is about new beginnings and sharing joy. This festival perfectly captures that spirit and shares it with the world. Jai Gujarat!
K
Kriti O
Tom and Jerry kites from Turkey! 😂 How fun is that? It's amazing how this traditional festival is blending with global pop culture. Can't wait to see the pictures from the riverfront.

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