Jaipur is the land of fairs and festivals. Always dipped in the colours of festival, this place enchants anyone who experiences the glory of fests. Festival of every religion is celebrated with same zeal and gusto. Each festival has its importance, be it welcoming a season, bidding adieu to a season, wishing long life and good health of the spouse, praise the Lord, worship trees and animals in the form of God. These festivals are integral part of the lives of people of Jaipur. One can not only feel the liveliness of people during these festivals, but can even get a wide exposure of culture of Rajasthan. These fairs and festival offer you with a holistic view of the heritage and art of Rajasthan. A prominent one out of the festivals of Rajasthan is the Kite Festival. Certainly, it's a festival that is unique in its own way. The colourful kites hovering over whole of Rajasthan brighten up the skies. This festival is largely celebrated in Jaipur and Jodhpur. The kites-with-lights flown add to the fancy of the festival. If you like kite flying, this is the festival for you. How about visiting Jaipur during this festival? Know more about this festival before you catch up with the delight of this festival in Jaipur.
History of the International Kite Festival
Kite flying was a common hobby in the streets of India. However, the ruling nawabs of that period took it up as a major sport. They looked at it as an opportunity to compete with each other and display their strengths. It was also considered to be highly entertaining. With time, the competition grew very serious, and there were varied kinds of kites and individual strings being made for the participants. Invitations were sent out to expert kite makers and kite flyers from all across the globe to exhibit their kite flying prowess and beat all competition. The tradition continues to this date, and the International Kite Flying Festival is held every year in Gujarat.
The considerable participation and the number of varieties of kites flown in the International Kite Festival, make it a unique event that unites passionate kite flyers from across the globe to network and collaborate. The entire skyline is decorated with different kinds and colours of kits and presents a sight to behold. Visitors can plan a relaxed picnic in the backdrop of this colourful festival or can also participate and fly kits along with family. Either way, the International Kite Festival promises a memorable time.
The Participation
The kite festival has become one of the standout events of the city of Jaipur, and is attended by visitors from all over the world. The Kite War and the Friendly Kite Flying at the festival are the main two attractions of the days around Makar Sankranti.The locals take this celebration quite seriously as can be witnessed on the full roofs of the homes all across town.
The Cultural Element
The kite festival in Jaipur, Rajasthan also includes several cultural performances that showcase with exhilarationand the numerous colors of Rajasthan’s folk and culture. From local singers exaltingthe virtues and braveries of times long gone to dancers exhibiting their finesse at local customary dances that capture the splendor of Rajasthan; the kite festival is the embodiment of the Rajasthani background.
The Food
All across Jaipur, feasts commemorate the celebration of Makar Sankranti with delicious Rajasthani treats including pheeni, daal ki pakori, til ke laddoo and til-laddoo. While the Kite Flying Festival is full of participants, celebrations,visitors,delicacies and fun, you might want to hit the local markets for a chance to interact with the locals and to become a part of their celebrations as well. Take some suggestions from someone well-versed in Rajasthani delicacies and well-acquainted with the streets of Jaipur to begin your gastronomic adventure with local food.
The When and How
The Jaipur Kite Festival is a major celebration that invites people of all ethnicities and regions to the city. The kite flying festival is celebrated on the 14 th of January on Makar Sankranti. Owing to the popularity of the festival, it is suggested that you make your bookings in advance to avoid any last minute hassles.
Rajasthan is all about royalty, culture, color, camel and celebration. Rajasthan is also famous for mesmerising lakes, dessert, historical places & forts. A Rajasthan festival includes interesting rituals,ethnicity, tradition festivals and celebrations. Numerous fairs and festivals are celebrated in Rajasthan. All the fairs and festivals feature display of the state’s legacy, colorful artifacts, lip- smacking delicacies, traditional Rajasthani attires, folk songs, folk dance and various interesting competitions. fairs and festivals in Rajasthan offer a chance to travellers to have a glimpse into the art, culture, customs and history of the state. Some of the popular Rajasthan fairs and festivals are Camel Festival, Desert Festival, Pushkar Fair and Urs Fair. Other festivals include Gangaur Festival, Diwali Festival, Kite Festival, Teej, Marwar Festival, Summer Festival. Travel to Rajasthan and participate in the jubilant activities.