7 reasons not to miss the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad

Kai po che! We all might have come across this phrase, but how many of us know its literal meaning? Well, ‘Kai po che’ is a Gujarati word meaning a victory shot, implying that a kite flyer has just cut the string of the other kite. In few days from now, you will hear the phrase more often than ever in Ahmedabad – the kite capital of India. Why, because the vibrant city of Ahmedabad will be hosting the International Kite Festival from January 8, 2017 to January 14, 2017.

International Kite Festival aka Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti is an annual event when the sky is filled with fluttering beauties, and the families come together to celebrate the 300 year old tradition.

What follows are some reasons why you should not miss the Kite Festival in Ahmedabad.

1. A sight that will leave you speechless – At this colorful festival, expect to see nearly 150 kite flyers and kite makers from across the world come together to display a sheer variety of kites. You will see kites of every hue and style doing rounds in the sky.

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2. Get your hands on the kites from other countries – Right from the Wau-balang kites from Malaysia to the traditional Rokkaku fighting kites from Japan, the llyang-llyanghave from Indonesia and the Chinese silk kites, you will find it all here.

Image Credits: ikf.gujarattourism.com

3. Test your kite flying skills – When at the International Kite Festival, bring out the child in you! Climb on the terrace, get your kite and manjha (special thread used for kite flying) in place and participate in the war of the kites. This is once in a lifetime opportunity that will test your kite flying skills, and might make you a champ.

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4. Learn the trick of making the Manjha – Manjha is a string (covered with powdered glass) tied to the kites that help control it while flying. This string is made by specific communities and seeing them make the manjha is a beautiful sight in itself. Though it is not an easy thing to do, you can learn the trick from craftsmen.

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5. Take in the view of the beautiful night sky – We all have seen the sky lanterns, but thousands of them flying together is a sight to behold. This view at the International Kite Festival is something that will remain with you for a lifetime.

6. See the charm of Rasulbhai Rahimbhai – If you are lucky, you might get to see Rasulbhai Rahimbhai (Ahmedabad’s famed kite maker) flying 500 kites on a string. This definitely is something to look out for.

7. Taste the finest Gujarati food – The last day of the International Kite Festival will mark the beginning of traditional food festival, where you’ll get to enjoy the famous delicacies of Gujarat. Undhiyu, Jalebi, Til Ladoo and Chikki are some of the popular items that are up for sale.

Uttarayan or the International Kite Festival is a grand celebration in Gujarat and it is only fair you spend it in Ahmedabad. So why wait? Make your reservations today.

Featured Image Credit: digitalhint.net