When kites dotted the skyline...

Kai Po Che

The Central Park in Connaught Place was ‘the’ destination for all kite flying enthusiasts on Tuesday as they converged at the lush green lawns to be part of the 26th International Kite Festival. One of the most awaited event of the year, the festival has given Delhizens a reason to smile and test their kite-flying skills for the third consecutive year.

The event  saw participation of more than 40 kite enthusiasts from across India and other countries like France, Russia, Ukraine, Malaysia, Vietnam and Estonia. 

Numerous brightly coloured kites in striking shapes, sizes and designs dotted the Connaught Place skyline which saw hundreds of Delhiites, families  in tow and young children enjoying their ‘day-out’ at the Park. 

The 26th International Kite Festival, which is Gujarat’s biggest, is also covering various other States apart from Delhi, Mumbai, Dhordo, Mandvi beach, Rajkot, etc. It is an opportunity to witness the rich vibrant culture of Gujarat. Sharing details on the host of events, Sanjay Kaul, managing director of Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited, said, “I am extremely happy to see the response and love that the festival has garnered in its glorious journey coveringa span of more than two decades.”

During the event, it was exhilarating to see the enthusiasm among the kite flyers who have come down from different parts of the globe to be part of the festival. Other cities including Saputara and Rajkot are going to host the festival today while Bharuch and Dhordo will follow on January 10. Vadodara will host the festival on January 11. Finally, the festival will culminate in Ahmedabad at the Sabarmati River from on January 12 and 13.

According to rules, all the participants were using the mandatory nylon thread that does not cause any harm because it is thicker and soft unlike the traditional manjha made from glass-powder that injures people and birds alike. Joining in the fun, even the locals were not left behind. They too joined the elite group of kite flyers to give them some stiff competition much to the excitement of the gathering which cheered and whistled every time an unusually shaped kite took to the skies.