Ahmedabad is pretty well known for the various festivals that are celebrated with great pomp over here. If you are planning on a trip to this city, then it is best that you visit it during one of the festivals that are held here.
Of all the festivals that are celebrated in the city, the Makar Sankranti is the most famous one. It is accompanied with a kite festival and that is what makes the city looks so beautiful during this time of the year. If you want to visit this city during this time then make sure that you have your reservations in one of the hotel Ahmedabad where you will be staying, done from before, since during this time of the year, there is usually a huge rush of tourists.
So, if you are heading out to Ahmedabad for the Kite festival then here are some of the details that you need to be aware of:
When is the Kite Festival held?
The Kite festival is held as a part of the celebration of Makar Sankranti. 14th January is celebrated as Makar Sankranti and this is the final day of the Kite festival celebration. The festival generally begins from 7th or 8th January and it reaches its peak on the 14th.
Where is it generally held?
It is generally held throughout the state but Ahmedabad is the most well-known for its celebration. Mostly the Sabarmati River Front is chosen as the venue for the official International Kite festival, conducted in Ahmedabad.
The specialty of the Kite festival
Plan your trip in such a way so that you are in Ahmedabad during this time of the year. Take a local transport from any one of the hotels at ahmedabad where you will be staying and reach the Sabarmati River Front to take a look at the amazing display of kites here. People from all over the world come to this festival to take part and showcase their brilliance and creativity when it comes to kite making. People from Malaysia, Japan, China and Thailand take part in this festival diligently. Apart from the official international festival, the city skies during this time of the year remains filled with kites being maneuvered from the roof of every other house.
Kite flying: A history of harmony
In a time when communal tension is at its peak, this tradition of flying kites on the day of Makar Sankranti is a reminder that all religions of the world can live together peacefully. It is believed by locals that it was the Muslim traders who brought the act of kite flying with them. Some say it was the Buddhist pilgrims who visited the country, who brought this tradition with them. All in all, today this has become a predominantly Hindu activity, which has its root in any religion but Hinduism. Thus, it is a wonderful reminder of adaption and zero communal tension.
So, if you are planning a trip to Ahmedabad, be there during the kite festival to make sure that you can witness this beauty with your own eyes!
