Why You Shouldn’t Miss Makar Sankranti of Jaipur

Hundreds of kites dancing in the sky, and us- on our terrace. That’s the memory every Jaipurite has of Makar Sankranti. Kite-flying is one of the most favorite and zealous festivals in Jaipur. It’s not just about flying kites but also about the battleground that the sky becomes and the way the whole group of family and friends gather up on their terraces and hoot and shout along with the music.

But this is not all! There’s so much more to this festival and the day marks as one of the most auspicious occasions of the year. Here are some of the reasons Jaipurites put their heart and soul into celebrating Makar Sankranti.

1. Pavitra Snaan and Daan
While lakhs of people take dips into the Ganges on Makar Sankranti around the nation, scores of people also arrive at Galta Ji Temple in Jaipur to bathe in the seven holy kunds there. The day is celebrated to worship the Sun God. It is considered that taking dips in the kund at Galtaji on Makar Sankranti absolves us of all our sins.

To take a dip in the kund at Galta Ji Temple, you might as well trek up the small hill that exits the city from Galta and Surajpole gates. It’s a sight to behold when you see the amount of faith that Jaipurites put into worshipping on Makar Sankranti.

People around the country also believe that donating clothes, jaggery, corn, ground peanuts and sesame is a good omen and brings prosperity.

2. Harbinger of spring
Makar Sankranti falls on the equinox and the day and night are equally long. After this day, the days start to get longer and nights shorter. It also marks the onset of spring season. This also brings a welcome relief from the cold wave of the bygone winter.

3. The Harvest Festival
Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year as the harvest festival of the country. The Rabi crop is harvested in the month of January and corn, mustard, peanuts, sesame etc. are the major crops harvested at this time. One day before Sankranti, i.e. on Lohri the new crop is offered to god through worshipping fire.

4. Kite Buying
Kite buying is a serious affair in Jaipur. People don’t just by any random kites. They especially head to kite markets like Handipura, Haldiyon Ka Rasta, and Kishanpole bazaar to buy the best kites. It takes an understanding of the science behind the designing of kites in order to buy the best ones. You can find hundreds and thousands of kites in all shapes, sizes and designs according to your preference. Some of the popularly known designs of kites are Chaand-dara, Glass-dara, Mangal-dara, Aankhal-dara, Tripatta, Dadhiyal etc.

5. Kite- Flying

A true jaipurite knows how to fly a kite and the science applied behind it.

It takes a lot of patience, time and effort to prepare for kite flying. The night before Sankranti the whole family sits together to put ‘tang’ in kites with white saddha.

On Sankranti, everyone’s duty is sorted! Makar Sankranti food is all about pakode, moongfali, popcorn, khichadi, gajak, feeni, ladoo and papdi-chatand the children in the house go up and down the terrace for serving them. The youngsters become DJs playing the best songs the loudest.

And oh! What an art kite flying is. As soon as the ‘Dangal’ starts in the sky, you can hear “Woh kaata” every five seconds from a terrace or two around!

7. The evening sky

As the day sets in, the kites start to come down and gradually the whole sky is lit up with fireworks and paper lanterns known as “Tukkals” or “Kandeel.” The night view on Sankranti is absolutely mesmerizing and one of those experience that is hard to get over!

So if ever you plan to visit Jaipur during winter, make sure you don’t miss the intoxicatingly enthusiastic vibe of Makar Sankranti!

January Festivals in Rajasthan you shouldn’t miss

Rajasthan is a land of colours, culture and folklore that can be beautifully experienced through its vibrant Fairs and Festivals all through the year. As the new year begins, we invite you to Rajasthan to indulge in Rajasthani culture by being a part of these popular fairs and festivals. There are many exotic Rajasthan Fairs and Festivals that will enchant you with their vibrancy and colorful celebrations in the first month of the year 2018.

Bikaner Camel Festival 

This city of Rajasthan holds the most offbeat festival you’ll ever hear of. The Bikaner Camel festival is a camel fair that is held every year in the month of January to honor the ship of the desert. It is organized by the department of Tourism, Art and Culture and includes exceptional performances like camel race, camel dance, camel rides and so on. A camel parade marks the beginning of the festival which is followed by camel performances and Rajasthani folk songs, dance and puppet shows.

Not just the majestic animal but also the view of Junagarh fort adds to the beauty of the fest.

Venue- The city of Bikaner hosts the fest every year, not coincidentally though. The city is the only camel breeding region and a lot of camels of the region have served in the wars and a regiment of these camels are a part of the border security force.

Date- The festival is a two day affair. Keep your bags ready for the 13^th and 14^th of this month to engage in some unprecedented wonders of Bikaner.

Getting there-

By Air

To reach Bikaner, the nearest airport is Jodhpur International Airport. The city lies 235 kilometers from the air terminal. Domestic and international flights connect the city to destinations all over the world. Once you reach the airport, you can easily access Bikaner by roads. There are a number of buses and taxis that ply one this route. You can avail any of these facilities to reach the camel city.

By Rail

Bikaner is service by two railway stations; Bikaner Junction and Lalgarh Railway Station. Both the stations are located at a distance of approximately 6 kms away from the main city and are well-connected with most of the Indian cities. There are frequent trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Jodhpur and other important cities of India.

By Road

By Road, Bikaner is well connected to every city in Rajasthan, the capital city Delhi and other important cities. Frequent buses of the state transports, AC deluxe buses, sleeper coaches, taxis and private vehicles ply on the route.

 

International Kite Festival Jaipur

 

The city of Jaipur is infamous for its passion for kite flying. The pink city celebrates the festival to indulge in the joy of looking at the beautiful sky full of colorful dots. People from all over the globe come to participate in this festival and take back the experience of a lifetime as the festival ensures unprecedented kite flying gest. Indulge in kite flying competition, traditional food and rocking music to celebrate the kite flying season with hundreds of like-minded kite lovers.

Venue- Gear up to let your kite be the last one flying in the Jaipur Polo Ground of the city.

Date- Indulge in endless frolic from 14^th – 16^th of the month in the most colorful city.

Getting There-

By Air

Jaipur has its own city airport. The Sanganer Airport is 13 km from the city. The air terminal receives both domestic and international flights. From the airport taxis, autos, buses and cabs commute to the city.

By Rail

Jaipur is well connected to almost every part of India through the means of Indian Railways. There are several trains commuting to the city. For a royal experience one can take the Palace on Wheels. Luxury trains and other rail rides run on the route. From the railhead, buses, cabs, taxis and autos traverse the city.

By Road

Jaipur has a good network of roads. Frequent connections are available from Delhi and major cities of India. Luxury buses, state owned buses are run by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). Cabs, taxis and private vehicles also commute to the capital city of Rajasthan.

Ranthambore Festival 

Spread across iconic venues inside the Majestic Nahargarh Palace, there is a kaleidoscope of unforgettable moments waiting for you at The Ranthambore Festival.

Dwell under the stars where soulful folk and music performances, luscious food, naked-eye astronomy, forest experiences and breathtaking wildlife stories are awaiting your presence.  With speakers and guests from all around the globe, dive into the delights of the festival celebrating the rich culture of Rajasthan.

Venue– Visit the  Nahargarh Palace of Ranthambhore in Rajasthan to avail the chance of attending 18 spellbinding concerts, 12 wildlife documentaries and 6 workshops.

Date– Get your bags ready for the most amazing exploration of your life. Mark your calendars from 19^th to 21^st of the month to experience music, nature and wellness.

Getting There-

By Air

The closest airport is Jaipur, which is 160 kms from Nahargarh Palace, Ranthambore. Jaipur is well connected to all metros with daily flights operated by Indigo, Go Air, Jet Airways, and Indian Airlines. Once you land, you can take a prepaid airport taxi or a private taxi to Ranthambore. This will cost you approximately Rs 2500.

By Train (Recommended)

Sawai Madhopur station is only three kilometers (ten minutes drive) from Ranthambore and is well connected to almost every city in India by superfast trains, being the most important railway junction in Rajasthan.

By Road

Ranthambore is well connected with all major highways and if you’re planning a road trip, here’s what you need to know. Jaipur to Ranthambore 180 Km (Approx. 3h via Rajasthan State Hwy 24) Delhi to Ranthambore- 381 Km(Approx. 6 Hours via NH8 and NH 11A) Mumbai to Ranthambore – 1031 Km (Approx. 16 h 51 min via NH 3) Udaipur to Ranthambore- 388 Km (Approx. 6h 10 min via NH 76 and RJ SH 29) Agra to Ranthambore- 239 Km (Approx. 4h 23 min via via RJ SH 1) Ahmedabad to Ranthambore – 640 Km (Approx. 9h 47 min via NH8 and NH 76)

Rajasthan International Film Festival

RIFF is the biggest Academic and Glamour Film Festival in Rajasthan. This extravaganza showcases a diverse, language independent, selection of the best feature films, documentaries and short films from around the world, on themes of Hindi and English and other Rajasthani cultures and identities.

In addition, the festival also features concerts, gala events, film parties, seminars, workshops and networking opportunities with government representatives, business leaders, local organizations that support film development, film stars, producers, directors, members of the media and more.

Venue- Jaipur holds this festival to let people appreciate the technique and imaginativeness of those in the field.

Date- Get yourself a bucket full of popcorn for enjoying the festival from 20^th-23^rd January.

Getting There-

By Air

Jaipur has its own city airport. The Sanganer Airport is 13 km from the city. The air terminal receives both domestic and international flights. From the airport taxis, autos, buses and cabs commute to the city.

By Rail

Jaipur is well connected to almost every part of India through the means of Indian Railways. There are several trains commuting to the city. For a royal experience one can take the Palace on Wheels. Luxury trains and other rail rides run on the route. From the railhead, buses, cabs, taxis and autos traverse the city.

By Road

Jaipur has a good network of roads. Frequent connections are available from Delhi and major cities of India. Luxury buses, state owned buses are run by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). Cabs, taxis and private vehicles also commute to the capital city of Rajasthan.

Jaipur Literature Festival
The ‘greatest literary show on earth’

The capital of Rajasthan hosts the biggest literature festival of India where speakers and visitors from all over the globe come to indulge into the pleasures of Literature, music and art. The five day fest brings in thousands of people in Diggi palace of Jaipur where sessions of world’s greatest minds, humanitarians, historians, politicians, business leaders take place.

The fest is not just a place to satisfy your intellectual hunger but also to witness the trending fashion and food. The festival holds cultural programs at various locations as well to truly showcase the heritage of the city.

Venue- The literature festival is organized in the Diggi Palace which is a royal palace turned into a heritage hotel. Part of it is still occupied by the royals of Jaipur.

Date- Keep yourself prepared for some intellectual and cultural bonanza from 24^th-28^th of January.

Getting there-

By Air

Jaipur has its own city airport. The Sanganer Airport is 13 km from the city. The air terminal receives both domestic and international flights. From the airport taxis, autos, buses and cabs commute to the city.

By Rail

Jaipur is well connected to almost every part of India through the means of Indian Railways. There are several trains commuting to the city. For a royal experience one can take the Palace on Wheels. Luxury trains and other rail rides run on the route. From the railhead, buses, cabs, taxis and autos traverse the city.

Jaipur has a good network of roads. Frequent connections are available from Delhi and major cities of India. Luxury buses, state owned buses are run by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). Cabs, taxis and private vehicles also commute to the capital city of Rajasthan

Baneshwar Fair, Dungarpur

Image via google

 The name “Baneshwar” came from the “shivlinga” of the Mahadev Temple in the region where the fair takes place presently. The tribes called “Bhils” organize the fair and celebrate the festival. It reflects their customs and traditions. The fair revolves around many rituals and bears a religious significance. The fair is an opportunity for you to witness some unique and varied attributions of the region. Not just a range of handicrafts but also cultural performances, puppet, magic and animal shows will surely make you fall in love with the place.

Venue- Dungarpur, a city in the southernmost part of Rajasthan is the administrative headquarters of Dungarpur District. It is the fastest developing town in extreme South Rajasthan.

Date- Get ready for some outlandish experience from 27^th to 31^st of this month.

Getting there-

By Air

There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Dungarpur. Nearest airport is Dabok Airport.

Dungarpur

79 km away

Dabok Airport (UDR), Udaipur, Rajasthan

Dungarpur

146 km away

By Rail 

Dungarpur is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains.

The rail line between Udaipur and Ahmedabad in Gujarat runs through the town.

Railway Station(s): Dungarpur (DNRP)

By Road

You can easily get regular buses to Dungarpur from other major cities of the country.

Bus Station(s): Dungarpur

Desert Festival

The celebrations of the desert festival make the desert region come alive with color, zest and enthusiasm . The festival commences with a procession in the morning from the Jaisalmer Fort to the Shahid Poonam Singh Stadium.  The gair, gymnastic acts and the fire dance are highlights of the festival. The tribes of the region create an enchanting environment with their poignant folk music recitals and ballads.
Be a spectator of rare competitions like camel polo, camel race, gymnastic stunts on camel back and camel formation dancing. These competitions are followed by the Border Security Force camel tattoo, tug-of-war, turban tying, Maru-Shri (Mr. Desert competition) and the longest moustache competition. The grand finale of the festival is the Rajasthani folk concert following an Air Force display, cricket match and parachuting. Desert safari and camping can be also enjoyed at the eve of the festival.

Venue– Don’t miss your chance to be in Jaisalmer to enjoy delicious food, interesting stalls displaying artifacts, handicrafts and other souvenirs.

Date- Prepare yourself for some mind-blowing experience from 29^th to 31^st of January.

Getting There-

By Air

Jodhpur Airport is the nearest international airport to reach Jaisalmer. The airport is 337 kilometers away. You can either hire a prepaid or a private taxi from the Airport to reach Jaisalmer.

By Rail

Jaisalmer is well connected with a wide network of trains covering most of the Indian cities. The railway station is located in the centre of the desert city. Once you reach the railhead, there are many auto-rickshaws and private taxis connecting the city.

By Road

Jaisalmer has excellent road connectivity. It is easy to commute to the city. Normal state owned buses, luxury coaches, sleeper AC buses, cabs, taxis and private vehicles can reach the city.

 

Makar Sankranti- The Festival of Kites, Holy Dips and Delicious Delicacies

Festivals of India are globally popular for their rituals, customs and the fun element attached with them. One of the most popular festivals of India is Makar Sankranti! The festival of kites is best celebrated in the Jaipur City of Rajasthan.  We know you’re already charged up for the kite wars in sky while savoring a world’s supply of sesame and dal pakodis, but before you climb up the roof to cut your neighbor’s kite let us help you sneak into the festivities of Makar Sankranti celebrated with great enthusiasm in Jaipur 🙂

Significance

Most likely the Hindu festivals follow lunar calendar. Hence, the dates of festivals change every year. But Makar Sankranti is the only festival which falls on the same day i.e. 14^th January every year as it follows the solar calendar. Predominantly known as the harvest festival, Sankranti is the day which officially marks the end of winter and beginning of spring – a transit symbolic of saying good bye to the season’s shivering struggle and the onset of a fresh new season with longer days and shorter nights!

The day of Makar Sankranti in Jaipur starts with taking a holy dip in the Kunds (natural water springs) inside the Galtaji temple which is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Jaipur.

Soaring high on Pink City’s Sky

The Kite flying enthusiasts begin the preparations one night before the festival, then early morning innumerable colorful kites dot the skyline of Pink City- Jaipur to announce the festive beginning of the year. The Walled City enjoys kite flying on their houses’ terraces with high pitched music, Sankranti special delicacies in the company of their friends and family.  People from all age groups enjoy fluttering their kites. Not just the walled city homes, but the whole city is colorfully ornamented with different unique kites.  On a larger scale, special events are organized by tourism department on open grounds and the City Palace for the tourists and international kite flyers landed in Jaipur mainly for the Kite Festival. Jal Mahal Ki Pal becomes the epicenter of Kite festival in Jaipur, where kite flyers would challenge each other with their kites soaring high in the sky and the exciting duels with the winner taking it all!  Various cultural programmes like Rajasthani Dance performances, musical band and decorated kites exhibition enrich the whole Kite Festival experience in Jaipur.

A transit from colors to lights

The special attraction since a couple of years is the sky balloon lantern. It appears as a million flickering fire flies dot the sky! As the sun begins to set, people release paper lamps from their terraces and the fascinating firework take over the sky by the late evening till night.

 

Image courtesy google

Traditional Kite Markets of Jaipur

It’s not just the kite flying that grabs kite lovers’ attention during this season, but a vibrant and inviting canvas of colors and more colors that fetches everyone to these kite markets of Jaipur! Haldiyon Ka Rasta and HaandiPura are the nationally acclaimed markets that supply kites and Maanjha ‘the thread’ to other states too. A visit to these streets is a treat for eyes and you wouldn’t resist buying not few but so many kites and Maanjha.

Indulgent Sankranti Delicacies

Indian festivals are incomplete without special food and festive delicacies. Hence, Sankranti too has its share of goodies. The most popular traditional Makar Sankranti sweets and delicacies of Jaipur are Til ke laddoo, chakki, Gajjak, fini, Jalebi and different kinds of pakodas!!

As it happens to be a weekend as well to tempt you more, travel down to Jaipur and revel in the spirit of Makar Sankranti, which is celebrated by flying kites, victorious screams of ‘Wo Kaata’, holy dips, making merry and savoring delicious food!!

Happy Kite Flying !

Feel the Joy of Kite Flying on Makar Sankranti in Rajasthan

The festival of Kites – Makar Sankranti is celebrated all across in different styles and forms. The Kite Festival is often referred to as the harvest festival because this is the time when harvesting is completed and people get together to celebrate.

Unlike the other Hindu festivals that follow the motion of moon, Makar Sankranti follows the movement of the sun. This festival marks the beginning of the sun’s transit into the zodiac of Capricorn (Makar here refers to Capricorn, Sankranti is called transition).  And from this day onwards, winter is relieved slowly.  With the onset of clear skies and pleasant breeze everyone can be seen in a jubilant mood. On Makar Sankranti some people prefer to mark this auspicious day by bathing in the holy waters of various indian rivers like Ganga, Yamuna and donating  the needy utensils, clothes, food, etc; some rather enjoy by flying kites and soaring the sky!

Food plays a very important role in celebrating any festival, there are special preparations for this one too like Til Ke Laddoo, Dal Pakodi, Gajar Ka Halwa, Fini/ Phini, Gajak and other delicacies in every house of Rajasthan.

 

The tourism department of Rajasthan organizes a special programme on Makar Sankranti at the Jal Mahal ki Pal for the tourists on Makar Sankranti; there are kite wars, decorated kites exhibition and various cultural performances to enrich the entertainment!

The festivities of kite flying doesn’t end with the setting of Sun. As the sunsets and darkness prevails, kites are replaced with paper lamps and lanterns, and the night sky glows in its beauty. Check out our last year’s video 

https://www.facebook.com/pg/jaipurbeat/videos/

 

Image credit http://www.sandeepachetan.com

So, come down to Rajasthan, especially Jaipur, and enjoy the spirit of  the fun filled festival of kites on 14th January 2017, to indulge in some real ‘patang bazi’.

Happy Makar Sankranti

Indulge In Some ‘Patang Bazi’ On The Festival Of Makar Sankranti

The festival of Kites – Makar Sankranti is celebrated all across in different styles and forms. The Kite Festival is often referred to as the harvest festival because this is the time when harvesting is completed and people get together to celebrate.

Looking at the scientific significance – every eighth year, Makar Sankranti is shifted by a day due to postpone in the revolution of the Earth around the Sun, thus this year the festival is being celebrated on 15^th January 2016.  And from this day onwards, winter is relieved slowly.  With the onset of clear skies and pleasant breeze everyone is seen in a jubilant mood. Where some people prefer celebrating the joy of this auspicious occasion by bathing in the holy waters of Ganga, Yamuna, etc. and doing a meritorious acts of donating and offering the needy utensils, clothes, food, etc; some simply enjoy by engaging into kite flying and soaring the sky!

As food is important to any festival, there are special preparations like Til Ke Laddoo, Dal Pakodi, Gajar Ka Halwa, Fini/ Phini, Gajak and other delicacies in every house of Rajasthan.

The festival does not end with the setting of the Sun. As the dusk approaches, kites are replaced with paper lamps and lanterns, and the night sky glows in its beauty.

Image credit http://www.sandeepachetan.com

So, come and experience the fabulous festival of kites in the Pink City of Jaipur on 15^th January 2016, to see the huge kites and indulge in some real ‘patang bazi’.

Happy Makar Sankranti 🙂

International Kite Festival begins from tomorrow in Jaipur

On the occasion of the ‘Makar Sankranti’, the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan has organized a two-day (13-14 January) ‘International Kite Festival’ at the Chitrakoot Stadium in Jaipur from 11 am tomorrow. This has been organized under the PPP mode along with Nomad Travels of Mumbai and the festival is supported by Fevicol and Jet Airways.

A number of international kite flyers will show their skills of flying artistic kites. These flyers are from the USA, Canada, the UK, Holland, Belgium, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. The special feature of these kites is that they measure as much as 4 to 5 meters across and are in shapes like dragons, birds, fish and other geometrical designs.

Similarly, kite flyers from pan-India – Mumbai, Mangalore, Dahanu, Rajkot will also bring their colourful creations to fill the skies of Jaipur. A number of artistic kite makers will also partake in the festival.

The entry to the festival is open to all and is free of cost.

International Kite Festivals in Rajasthan

Since many years, the cities- Jodhpur and Jaipur in Rajasthan have been hosting Kite Festival on Makar Sankranti with great fervor. The main attribute of the festival is the show of ‘diversity’ in all aspects. Kites all shapes and sizes are seen in the sky and the main competition is to cut the strings of nearby kite flyers and bring it down. For this purpose people intend to make their strings and sharp as possible, to give a tough fight to its opponent flyer. The special kite strings are coated with the mixture of glass and glue called as ‘manjha’.

Jodhpur Kite festival will be held from January 12 to 15, 2014 at Jodhpur polo ground. The festival is divided into two sections, of which one is fighter kite Competition and the other is Display Flying. The kite flyers compete with each other displaying their skills in order to win the Fighter Kite Competition while the other calmly flies the kite exhibiting their beautiful kites for the Display Flying. The prestigious trophies are awarded to the winners of both the categories and every participant is offered dinner at an exotic venue. The Grand Finale of the International kite Flying Festival in Jodhpur is held in the extant lawns of the Umaid Bhawan Palace. The finals of the Fighter Kite competition and Display Flying are followed by the prize distribution ceremony, thanks-giving ceremony and farewell dinner with the Maharaja of Jodhpur.

Jaipur, on the other hand, would host International Kite Festival from January 14 to 16, 2014 at the Jal Mahal ground. Participants from 25 countries are expected to reach Jaipur for this International festival besides 30 kite flyers from different Indian states would participate. These participants will also show off their considerable skills like flying multiple kites with one string. The kites will provide a glimpse of the varied culture and traditions of the various countries that are participating.

Bright and colourful kites in striking shapes and unusual designs, some never seen before, would dot the sunny sky of Rajasthan on 14 January, 2014. For kite flying enthusiasts, various locations of Rajasthan on Tuesday morning will be the right place to be.

If you are a passionate Kite lover, participate in the festivities of Makar Sankranti and various Kite Festivals across Rajasthan in 2014 and enjoy the rejoicing festival. Make you bookings and get ready to shout in joy “Woh Kaataa!!”

Makar Sankranti in Rajasthan

14 January is celebrated in India as Makar Sankranti – heralding the transition of the sun into the Northern hemisphere. It is also a big kite day in most parts of India when children from 6 to 60 can be seen with their heads turned to the sky. In Jaipur kites virtually blot out the sky. Everyone joins in this riotous celebration and shouts of “Woh Kata Hai!” reverberates from rooftops to the accompaniment of drums as adversaries’ kites are cut down. And everyone’s an adversary! Any kite in the sky is fair game.

As you’ve probably guessed, this is one day when the skies above the city come alive with kites – in a hundred different colors, shapes and sizes, fluttering and darting above the rooftops, triumphantly cutting another kite’s string, and soaring way up above the earth. The Jaipur Tourism Development Corporation organizes the International Kite Festival at a local stadium, where kite enthusiasts from all across the world show off their skills. A kite market is held, alongside which are food stalls, cultural performances and special kite displays at night, when illuminated kites – known as Tukals – are flown.

It’s an amazing festival for tourists; tourists can also participate in various kite-flying competitions.

Jodhpur Kite Festival: January12 – 15, 2012

The three-day International Kite Flying Festival in Jodhpur is held at the Polo Ground. The sky looks absolutely beautiful with kites in myriad hues, designs and shapes of the kites being flown in the air. The Air Force helicopters release colorful kites from the sky while school children release colorful air balloons. The festival is divided into two sections, namely, the Fighter Kite Competition and the Display Flying. The kite flyers compete with each other displaying their skills in order to win the Fighter Kite Competition while the other calmly fly the kite exhibiting their beautiful kites for the Display Flying. The prestigious trophies are awarded to the winners of both the categories and every participant is offered dinner at an exotic venue.

The Grand Finale of the International kite Flying Festival in Jodhpur is held in the extant lawns of the Umaid Bhawan Palace. The finals of the Fighter Kite competition and Display Flying are followed by the prize distribution ceremony, thanks-giving ceremony and farewell dinner with the Maharaja of Jodhpur. The festival is attended and participated by a large number of people from India and abroad.

Kite Festival in Jaipur

Jaipur’s clear blue sky became a colorful canvas recently when kite flyers from across the world got together for the Kite Festival that marked the beginning of the Rajasthan Day celebrations from March27 to April02, 2012. Attention grabbing kites in varied size and forms dotted the azure blue sky at the Rambagh Polo Ground.

 

Showcasing their expertise, kite-flying enthusiasts came all the way from countries like Malaysia,Thailand,Turkey, among others. As spectators cheered them on, the kite flyers struggled with strong winds and braved extreme heat to put up a great show. “For Indians it’s more of a cultural stuff, but in Thailand, it’s solely a recreational activity. I was amazed to hear that kites are flown inIndiato celebrate the harvest festival,” said Brahmwan, a kite flyer from Thailand.

Spectators were also enthralled by a number of folk song and dance performances that were organized at the do. Beats of terah-taali resonated as Rajasthani folk artists took the centre stage soon after the fest was formally inaugurated. “It’s for the first time that a kite-flying festival on such a scale had been organized during the Rajasthan Day Celebrations.