NewKerala.com

Gujarat's Sky Blooms with Color as International Kite Festival Takes Flight

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad on January 12, marking the start of a three-day celebration. The festival features over 1,000 participants, including 135 international enthusiasts from 50 countries, alongside Indian and local Gujarati flyers. Early celebrations have already begun in cities like Rajkot, Surat, and the scenic Rann of Kutch, drawing large crowds and tourists. The event, a highlight of Uttarayan, will also be held at Shivrajpur near the Statue of Unity and in Vadodara.

Key Points: International Kite Festival Begins in Gujarat, PM Modi to Inaugurate

  • PM Modi to inaugurate on Jan 12
  • 135 international flyers from 50 countries
  • Festivities span Ahmedabad, Rann of Kutch, and more
  • Part of Gujarat's vibrant Uttarayan celebrations
2 min read

International Kite Festival begins across Gujarat, PM Modi to inaugurate event in Ahmedabad on Jan 12

PM Modi to inaugurate Gujarat's International Kite Festival on Jan 12. Over 1,000 participants from 50 countries to fill the sky with color for Uttarayan.

"This festival makes the sky colourful and fills people with excitement. - Anup Nair"

Ahmedabad, January 10

With Makar Sankranti just a few days away, Gujarat is gearing up for the International Kite Festival, one of the biggest highlights of the state's Uttarayan celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad on January 12. The three-day festival will run till January 14 and will see participation from 135 international kite enthusiasts representing 50 countries. Alongside them, 65 flyers from across India and 871 local participants from Gujarat will take part in the event.

Ahead of the main inauguration, kite-flying activities began on January 10 in cities including Rajkot, Surat and Dholavira. People were seen gathering in large numbers on terraces and open grounds, flying kites and celebrating the festive atmosphere.

The Rann of Kutch also witnessed early celebrations, with kite flyers setting up against the vast landscape. The atmosphere in the region was lively as colourful kites filled the sky and drew attention from both locals and tourists.

Anup Nair, a member of the Force India Kite Team representing Kerala, said he was happy to be part of the festival once again. Speaking to ANI, he said, "I have come to represent Kerala on behalf of the Force India Kite Team and participate in Gujarat's International Kite Festival. Today, we are in the Rann of Kutch, which is a very beautiful place. More than 150 kite flyers from India and abroad are participating in this festival. This festival makes the sky colourful and fills people with excitement."

Similar scenes were witnessed in Rajkot, where both locals and visitors joined the celebrations. Emma, a tourist who travelled to India to attend the festival, shared her experience on the first day. "This is the first day and already I'm having so much fun. I've been visiting the festival for the last two years. I've been excited for this for months. The weather is good and the wind is picking up, so we're hoping to fly our biggest kite, which is about 30 metres long," she said.

The International Kite Festival will also be held at Shivrajpur near the Statue of Unity and Ekta Nagar on January 11. Events are scheduled in Ahmedabad from January 12 to 14, while Vadodara will host celebrations on January 13.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the festival is beautiful, I hope the local administration is prepared for the massive crowds and the waste management afterwards. Last year, the day after saw so much plastic and thread litter. Celebrations should be eco-friendly too.
A
Ananya R
It's wonderful to see participants from Kerala and all over India. Truly a festival that unites the country! The Rann of Kutch as a backdrop must be stunning. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
D
David E
Visiting from the UK and was in Surat today. The energy is incredible! Everyone is so friendly and eager to teach us how to fly kites. The cultural experience is amazing. Well done, Gujarat!
V
Vikram M
Makar Sankranti is not just about kites, it's about the spirit of community and the harvest. Glad the PM is inaugurating, it brings focus to our rich traditions. Hope they also highlight the local food - undhiyu and chikki are a must!
S
Sarah B
The scale of this is mind-blowing. 135 international flyers? A 30-meter kite? This is a world-class event. India's soft power through its festivals is truly impressive.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50