The annual International Kite Festival in 2024 is a famous event that happens in Jaipur on Makar Sankranti. In this city known as the pink city, the sky comes alive with a multitude of colorful kites, creating a mesmerizing sight. The lively atmosphere is further enhanced by the energetic rock music and skilled dancers. People from different parts of India come together to indulge in the joy of flying kites, making this festival a truly vibrant and exciting celebration.
Taking place in January each year, the Kite Festival of Jaipur coincides with Makar Sankranthi. The Polo Ground in Jaipur serves as the venue for various kite-flying competitions during the festival. For a truly enchanting experience, don’t miss the breathtaking sight of lanterns illuminating the night sky, creating a spectacle of thousands of kites.
Kite Festival Jaipur 2024 – Key Details
Date: 14th to 16th January 2024
Location: Jaipur Polo Ground
Key Highlights:
- 20,000 kites flown by participants
- Kite fighting competitions and displays
- Massive 100-ft kites flown
- Prizes worth lakhs for winners
- Cultural events and food stalls
- Thousands of locals and tourists attend
History of Kite Flying in Jaipur
- Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II started royal kite flying events in 1878 at City Palace where gold and silver kites were flown.
- This royal sport was then embraced by Jaipur’s citizens and evolved into a Makar Sankranti tradition.
- Kite flying gained cultural significance, with neighborhoods competing in kite battles.
- In 1989, the festival was inaugurated as a major international event promoting culture.
Significance of the Kite Festival Jaipur
- Marks Uttarayan i.e. the sun’s northward journey bringing longer days.
- Flaunting kite flying skills and community spirit.
- Absorbing winter sun’s nourishment through exposure.
- Celebrating Rajasthan’s artistry with elaborate kites.
- Promoting tourism and cultural heritage.
Kite Festival Jaipur 2024 Events
Kite Making Competition
- Artists create incredibly ornate kites using vivid colors, fabrics, mirrors, beads etc.
- Massive kites spanning 20-30 feet are also crafted and flown.
- Prizes awarded for most creative and innovative kite art.
Kite Flying Sessions
- Experts fly their kites demonstrating swift maneuvers, precision control and coordination.
- Special techniques like ‘talwarbaazi’ (kite-swordplay) are exhibited.
- Prizes are given for skills like highest kite elevation, synchronized kite flying, etc.
Kite Fighting Tournament
- Skilled kite fighters compete to cut other competitor’s kite strings.
- Special abrasive strings are used to maximize kite ‘kataas’ i.e cuts.
- The fighter who downs the maximum number of kites wins the contest.
Cultural Events
- Folk dancers and singers showcase Rajasthan’s performing arts.
- Artists exhibit kite-making methods and crafts.
- Stalls display regional handicrafts and textiles.
- Parades, mass kite flying sessions and otras take place.
Food Stalls
The festival also has stalls selling:
- Traditional kite flying snacks like peanuts, popcorns, gajak etc.
- Warm beverages like tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
- Rajasthani sweets and savories like dal pakoda, ghevar, feeni etc.
- Ice cream, chaat, pani puri, kulfi and other food.
Celebrating Makar Sankranti in Jaipur with Kites
- Jaipurites fly kites through the day from terraces and gardens.
- Streets are filled with kids running and flying their kites.
- At night, the sky lights up with thousands of floating lanterns.
- Families gather for picnic lunches and bonfires with homemade kites and savories.
- The festive kite flurry continues for 3-4 days beyond Makar Sankranti in Jaipur.
Kite Festival Jaipur 2024 – Safety Tips
- Apply protective oil/tape on fingers to avoid cuts from strings.
- Wear eye protection gear like shaded sports glasses.
- Supervise children at all times when kites are airborne.
- Avoid dangerous stunts like climbing poles or hanging dangerously.
- Use cotton thread that is non-abrasive for friendly fights.
- Follow traffic rules and avoid riding bikes during ongoing kite battles.
Experience the Spectacle of Kite Festival Jaipur
The sheer magic of thousands of kites brightening the skies as lively music and laughter set the mood is unparalleled. Witness the creative kite artistry and remarkable flying skills of experts at the festival. Capture incredible photos against the colorful horizon. Partake in the contagious festive spirit and community camaraderie of the International Kite Festival Jaipur 2024!