‘Kai Po Che’ This almost sounds like the most unique friendly victory call to every Indian, more so a Gujrati. The festival of Makar Sankranti earmarks the beginning of Spring and the onset of Indian summer. A new beginning filled with a riot of colors high up on the blue skies - that is exactly how it's celebrated in the land of Gujarat.

The international kite festival is held in Gujarat at Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront on January 14, each year. The day is celebrated with great pomp and fervor, by flying out kites to send out the message of joy, as they usher in the season change.

Annual Kite Festival at Gujarat

People from varied cultures and backgrounds gather around to passionately fly their kites, including master kite makers and master kite flyers across the world. Numerous kites of various colors, shapes and sizes fill the clear blue skies of Ahmedabad.

Nothing can beat the extravaganza of the kite festival in Gujarat. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that is a must-see for all. So, if you plan to visit Gujarat, make sure to schedule your itinerary around the International Kite festival.

Here are the top reasons why you should travel to Gujarat for Makar Sankranti

1. Reminisce your Childhood

Let go and participate in the adrenaline pumping excitement of flying kites. Witness a heart warming site of young children and young at heart adults fill the street and roof tops to fly their kites. All the sheer amazement, mock fights, shouting in excitement will surely take you back to your childhood.

Travel down the memory lane as you reminisce flying kites in your childhood

2. Confluence of Cultures

It is an esteemed International kite festival, so you can definitely expect to meet people from various nationalities, cultures and countries. Engage in friendly exchanges and get to meet kite enthusiasts from places like China, America, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan.

From Japanese-themed rokkaku kites, Chinese dragon kites, American banner kites and Malaysian kites, feast on the awe-inducing sight of multicultural kites. Behold a breathtaking spectacle that you never have seen before in your life.

Cultural Melting Pot - Unique Theme of Kites can be seen in the festival

3. Unlimited Fun

There is never a dull moment at this annual kite festival of Gujarat. Right from the week before the festival begins, the whole city is up and buzzing with frenzied activity. On the day of the festival, from dawn to dusk, explore the unlimited fun and a guaranteed entertainment throughout.

While during the day time, the sky is filled with exuberant colors of the kites, during the night time the sky is lit up with lanterns attached to the kite. This makes for a glowing appearance at the night time and a sight that is not to be missed. Experience an unlimited package of round-the-clock merrymaking.

Have Unlimited Fun From Dawn to Dusk

4. Savor delicious food

What is an Indian festival without delectable variety of mouth-watering cuisine? The Internation kite festival is hosted at Sardar Ballavbhai Patel Stadium of Ahmedabad. This stadium is filled with a variety of stalls, that will satiate your palate.

Expect to savor the finger licking food of the Gujarati cuisine like hot jalebis, Undhiyu, mouth watering chaat items and other Gujarati foods. Try out the city’s cuisine which is mainly vegan.

Food Stalls at the International Kite Festival

Treat Your Stomach to the Gujarati Cuisine

5. Opportunity for Photography

Capture candid moment amidst a backdrop of flying kites and lanterns. This festival brings to you a fantastic opportunity to take amazing photos, that will be cherished forever. Catch popular celebrities, stars and politicians who grace the event and take quick snaps of them as well.

If you are hooked to your camera and on the look out for exotic shots, this festival is the place to be. Shoot your pictures, upload them on social media and get multiple hits and likes. No matter if you are an amateur photographer or experienced, this festival gives you the right scope to explore.

Flash photos of Celebrities who grace the International Kite Festival in Gujrat

And of Course, Don’t Forget the Stars of the kite festival

6. Try your hand at kite flying

The kite flying competition is the main attraction of the event. People stand on their rooftops flying their kites and trying to bring down or cut through other’s kites. Why not try your hand at kite flying and indulge in all the excitement?

Enjoy yourself to the fullest flying kites. You might not be a pro, but there is no definitely any harm in trying. You are sure to a fun-filled experience. So, bring out the child in you, let loose and fly your kites high in the sky.

7. Mindblowing Night Sky

During the night time of the festival, the sky is illuminated with hundreds of lanterns. The beautiful and radiant night sky of this festival is a sight that is a must-see for all. Just sit back, relax and feast on the illuminated view of the sky.

Tukkals, Box Shaped Kites lighting up the night skies during the festival

8. A Magical Sight

You are probably wondering what makes a normal kite flying very unique and why should you travel all the way to Gujarat for that? Well, the answer is pretty simple. You would be treated to a magical sight that will leave you speechless.

The whole of the sky is filled with colorful kites, almost looking like a tent. The several designs of kites dancing in the air with a fresh lease of life are something you will never see anywhere else for sure.

Let the magic unfold and Visit Gujarat International Kite Festival

9. Get to Know more About Kites

If you have ever wondered how kites and their strings called as Manjha are made, you can be able to see the entire making process. Kite sellers and Manjha makers get ready with their lot before the big day.

You can witness the market scenes and can even get your own kite customized with your designs. The making of the Manjha string is very interesting and this sharp string is what cuts over the kites. It is colored and covered with powdered glass and hence need to be handled with care in order to prevent injuries.

The Making of Kites

10. Celebrate the Happiness

Need a getaway from your regal boring or depressing routine life? The positive aura of this kite festival is sure to provide you the much-needed break. People from all walks of life gather here, forget their hardships and indulge in the kite flying celebration. It is a day where everybody around you is happy.

A Day Where Everybody are Happy

    So, head out to Gujarat during the International kite festival to witness a grand celebration like never before. As millions of kite enthusiasts pitch themselves at rooftops, go gaga over the waves of flying kites that overwhelm the deep blue sky.

     The excitement continues from dawn to dusk. The night sees the arrival of illuminated box kites that add a dazzling touch of the dark sky. Experience the fervor of the International Kite festival in Gujarat and make an unforgettable memory.

Kai Po Che!