Kite fest: Riot of colours paints Ahmedabad skyline

Colourful kites have been dotting the city's skyline since last Sunday as Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel inaugurated the 28th edition of the International Kite Festival at the banks of the historic Sabarmati river. Gujarat Governor OP Kohli presided over the function, in which 98 kite flyers from 31 countries and 55 from 27 Indian states are participating.

Thousands of visitors have been flocking the expansive grounds at the river front to catch a glimpse of the sky. Kohli described the festival as unique, wherein people get to watch kites of various hues and shapes criss-crossing the skyline.

He said the sport, which has its roots in ancient times, represents man’s experiments with imagination and reflects our tastes and culture. Welcoming the participants, the Governor said that apart from Gujarat and Punjab, kite festivals are now celebrated in other states too.

“The kite festival will help us realise our lofty goals and resolutions, and also catapult Gujarat to a proud place in the international tourists’ circuit,” said Patel. Highlighting the significance of Makar Sankranti, she said the sun’s movement from the Tropic of Capricorn to the north typifies our ancestors across the length and breadth of India, invoking solar energy for the welfare of mankind. "It is a festival to mark Man mingling with Nature," she said.

She said the festival provides financial support to many families. Patel said by adding women in the kite-making cottage industry, the gross business of the industry is pegged at around Rs 750 crore. 

The festival began with a march past by the kite flyers, who released bunches of colourful balloons in the sky. Patel also praised the children, who demonstrated yoga exercises such as ‘Surya Namaskar’. She hailed the awareness among children about health.

MoS for Tourism Department Jayesh Radadia said the kite festival, organised by the Tourism Department of Gujarat, has emerged as centre of attraction among Indian and international kite flyers. 

Gujarat Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja, chairman to Tourism Department Kamleshbhai Patel, Narhari Amin of the Planning Commission, Ahmedabad Mayor Gautambhai Shah and other senior goverment officials were also present.