Makar Sankranti (Kite Flying Day) marks the end of a long winter with the return of the sun to the Northern Hemisphere. According to the Hindu astronomy the sun enters the zodiac of Makara (Capricorn). Hence, it is called Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. The special significance attached to the celebration of Makar sankranti, is Kite Flying. The gods who are believed to have slumbered for six long months are now awake and the portals of heaven are thrown open! The serene blue sky with colorful kites look splendid and since morning to evening remains dotted with vivid splashes of color with kites in a variety of hues, shapes and sizes. The excitement continues with the onset of night. As the sun sets and darkness hovers over, youngsters continue competing each other in supremacy in the sky, now with the paper lanterns tied to their kite-strings. These lanterns known as tukkal swaying at the mild stroke of wind presents a lovely image while some try to cut off these tukkals and enjoy the fun.

Uttarayan is celebrated all over Gujarat but the excitement is high at Ahmedabad, Surat, Nadiad and Vadodara.  Surat, especially is known particularly for the strong string which is made by applying glass powder on the row thread to provide it a cutting edge. To be in any one of these places during this festival is to feel the heart and pulse of Gujarat and its people. On a night prior to the festival special markets are held and you need a gujju skill for bargaining and clinch a right deal in the crushing crowd of kite enthusiasts.

Gujarat Tourism also hosts the International Kite Festival drawing crowds to witness the show of eminent kitists from many states and countries. This International Kite Festival is always held at Ahmedabad on January 14, to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. People from all over the world display their exotic kites of various designs. It is a splendid spectacular show to see the sky with colourful kites, huge size and varied designs and shapes This gives the people of Ahmedabad the change to see the unusual kites brought by the visitors some of which are truly works of art. Cuisine and Crafts display are also enjoyed by the participants and spectators.

It is said that in 200 B.C. Huan Thang of China flew a kite at night to overawe the army of the Han dynasty. From 100 B.C. to A.D. 500 kites were used for sending signals and to measure the distance of enemy camps. By A.D. 930, the Japanese mention "Shiroshi", meaning paper bird, for the first time.

Between A.D. 960 and 1126, kite flying becomes a popular sport in China. The 9th day of the 9th month was a day when kites were flown to banish evil. In Indian literature, kites were mentioned for the first time in " Madhumati" by Manzan, and were called "patang", which is the word still used today

FLY SAFE!

Launching a kite in the skies is Fun. The breeze carries away and let float the Kite in the cool air, giving sheer joy. Crowded Rooftops, fun-loving rivalry to outdo each other cutting kites and delicious gujarati feast esp. Undhiyu & jalebi are the hallmarks of the day. But FLY SAFE! Playing Safe Rules adds to fun. If not, sure there is trouble - one may land up falling from the terrace, cutting a part of body with sharp strings  and so on.

Fly Safe!

Fly kites on walled Terrace & take care not to bend to catch strings

Preferably, fly kites in wide, open areas, away from the power lines or phone lines on top.

Use Cotton, linen or nylon strings,mix of glue and ground glass, dried and rolled onto reels known as 'firkees'. Do not sort for metallic threads, wire etc.

If a kite gets caught on electrical lines, is cut and is floating through the roads or pass by terrace, refrain from catching it.

Apply cream on hands and face not to get too much sun-burn and cover eyes with glasses so as not to take direct sun rays.

Do not eat and stuff too much food and bitings through the day while flying the kite whole day long. Eating too much undhiya, til laddo, chikkis, etc may only upset system and make 'tummy tremble'

Do not use abusive words if while rivalry fun, your kite is cut by another. Especially be good to neighbors so as not to invite fights.Be a Sport - Kite Flying is Fun and spirit of rejoicing.