Detailed Information about Kite Festival & Its Importance

Kite festival is one of the most joyous and colourful festival celebrated in different parts of the world. When the colourful kites fill the blue sky, the sight is just amazing. It takes your breath away and leaves you tingling with happiness. It has various symbolic significance in different cultures and countries around the world. In India it has religious and cultural significance and is celebrated in cities and states like Jaipur (Rajasthan), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) and many more other cities. The practice of kite flying was common as back as the 14th century. The first Kite was developed around 2800 years ago in China and from there the practice spread all over the world. In the olden days it was used for various purposes like measuring distance, testing the direction of wind, symbolic communications, lifting things etc. Kite festivals are major source of entertainment in many countries and some of them are conducted on a large and international scale where even competitions are organised.

In India Kite festival is celebrated in a grand way during the festival of Makar Sankranti which falls on the 14th of January. This joyous and colourful festival showcases the rich culture and tradition of states like Gujarat, Rajasthan etc. Kites of different colour, shapes and sizes dot the sky making it a feast for the eyes. The festival continues whole day, right from morning till late night. Competitions are held in different localities and children, youngsters and people of all age actively take part in those competitions with great spirit. During night time the paper lanterns tied to the kite strings are flown lighting up the whole sky which makes it look amazing. Makar Sankranti, the festival during which kites are flown is a very important festival for the Hindus. It marks the end of long winter months when the sun returns to the northern hemisphere. People celebrate this festival in their best spirits.