Traditions take a flight

Festival time

The Delhi skyline came alive in all its colourful glory as kite-flyers from the world over gathered to celebrate its IInd Kite Festival.

Professional kite-flyers from Indonesia, UK, France, Germany and our own Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Mumbai and Ahmedabad brought exquisite kites from their region. Kite lovers in Delhi, especially children, couldn’t have had a better time.

The Delhi Tourism department has been holding this festival as it is symbolic of Old Delhi where kite flying has been followed since Shahjahan’s time. The sport is practiced more on Basant Panchami, Makar Sakranti and Independence Day, and has come to stand for the cultural syncretism of the Capital.

With the success of the first edition of the Kite Festival, the government was encouraged to invite more participants and make it a bigger event
this year.

The most celebrated face at the fest, of course, was Bhai Mian – president, Kite Flying Association of Delhi in Matia Mahal. “Kite flying, cock-fighting, pigeon racing – these sports came to Old Delhi with the Mughals. Even today, they are more popular than even Cricket in this part of the City.”

“To make it more interesting, we make kites of many varieties – in the shape of snakes, fishes, peacocks, butterflies etc. Then there are box-kites which look spectacular. A lot of effort and time goes into the making of each one – the fabric, the weight of the bamboo structure, its size, shape etc. makes it a complete engineering marvel.” 

On the other hand, Dilip Kapadia of the Golden Kite Club, Mumbai, showcased his train kites – 100 and above kites flying on the same string.  He said, “The Indian flag looks beautiful on a kite and we use this image often on our train kites. Besides this, we have eagle, bat and owl kites also soaring on 110 feet train kites.”

Dr Devinder Pal Singh from Chandigarh brought kites with social messages. A big kite showed a young girl saying ‘Save the girl child,’ while another had the slogan ‘Protect the environment.’

The most beautiful kites were from Indonesia – in the shape of colourful dragons. Ally, the kite-flyer from Bali, who displayed them here, informed Metrolife, “In our country, we fly kites during harvest time as thanksgiving to God.

We believe our message of gratitude is delivered directly to God when we send them on kites.”
Also, Michele Gressier from France brought life-size Ring, Couronne (crown shaped), Fibule (flowform), Genki (wide-flap) and Delta Porde (triangular) kites. “I am an artist and enjoy painting on my kites. It gives me wings when I see them soar the French sea coast in my hometown Toulouse.”