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Kite Festival 2009 Begins |
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Ahmedabad Febuary 14th and 15th is the Uttarayana "Kite Flying Festival" |
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The Sun enters the Makar raasi (the zodiac sign of Capricorn - the goat), on Sankranti day, signifying the onset of Uttarayana Punyakalam, which means the sun, begins it journey northwards. Sankramana means "to commence movement" and hence the name Makar Sankranti has been given. The period is also considered an ideal time for aspirants to satisfy "the goals of life". Very significant however, the day preceding Makara Sankranti is when people discard old and derelict things and concentrate on new things causing change or transformation. |
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Global participants excited |
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Diana Delli Paoli from Australia has given a miss to her kit shop back in Merimbula, New South Wales during her "business season" to be a part of the lifetime experience of Kite Festival in Ahmedabad.
Paoli is one of the 81 participants w2ho have flown down to Ahmedabad from 31 different countries to participate in the festival. An Excited Paoli says, "I have reqad a lot about kite coluture in India and will experience it for the first time. I will be flying a huge kite which will look like a peacock once in air. Another will arch with 31 small and big kites woven around it."
Kite lovers from US, England, Brazil, New Zealand among others will display their unique kites and their expertise in flying giant kites.
For Derek Kuhn, president of Midlands Kite Fliers, England, it is an amazing experience to see kit culture of city. Kuhn says, "Indian kites are known all over the world and to come to the centre of kite flying is very exciting for all of us. We are raring to show our kite skills to the kite lovers here."
Master kite maker and expert in custom kite displays. Clifford Quinn from US, says "It was hard to resist the chance of coming to India and especially Gujarat to be a part of the Vibrant Kite Festival. Kite flying here is a passion, a culture. But in US, it is more of a hobby." Another participant, Stefan Cook, operation manager of Ultimate Kite Show from New Zealand says,"Indian kites are unique to their make. We are looking forward to Saturday's kite event. |
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Despite slump, kites sell like hotcakes |
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Despite recession blues, kite makers and sellers of city are making merry Looks like Amdavadia want to forget their financial woes and enjoy the festival. Says Naveen Modi, shop owner at Dariapur kite market. "We were initially worried about sales. However thankfully it has been smooth sailing."
Market is set to lure kite-flying enthusiasts with a greater range and innovation to attack all age groups. "This year, we have kites made of three different types of paper. Apart from the regular material, we have kites made of butter paper and marble paper too," says Nigam Chowksi, a wholesaler.
Variety in designs and patterns has left many amazed. "I'm so glad there are so many different types. Not just colours, designs are so new and fresh. It will be fun fighting for such beautiful kites on Uttarayan," says Kamlesh Patel, an ardent kite-flier. While kites with forest prints carry eco-friendly messages and icnreased sensitivity towards nature, rangoli kites are becoming a rage among girls. Many girls have bought kites with rangoli or rumali prints. TO attract kids, there are special packages of five kites, phirki, fun mask and other goodies.
Sonam Kapoor may not have made waves on the silver screen. But she is a hit in city kite markets. "Kites with Sonam and Aishwarya are the most in demand," said Jayesh SElugar, a shop owner. Kites iwth Modi and Nano are also a major draw. Despite being highly pried, they are selling like hot cakes. These kties cost Rs 100 per kodi, while the normal range is Rs 50 to 60. |
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