Under Jaipur’s clear blue skies, where dreams take flight, a tapestry of colours fills the heavens, dancing with the winds in joyous harmony. Every January 14th, Pink City celebrates Makar Sankranti with the International Kite Festival, a spectacle where tradition meets wonder. Kites from every corner of India soar high, turning the sky into a breathtaking canvas, while the pulse of rock music and the rhythm of dancers add a heartbeat to the celebration. Just book a Savaari cab in Jaipur and let Jaipur’s skies, alive with spirit and color, welcome you to a new year of endless possibilities. Jaipur Kite festival is celebrated on the 14th of January every year to mark the transition of the sun from Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius) to Makara Rashi (Capricorn).
What kickstarted the Kite Festival in Jaipur
The International Kite Festival of Jaipur has grown into an internationally famous event. Much like the kite flying festival in Gujarat, what started as a simple holy dip in Galtaji has now been turned into a full-fledged carnival where kite-flying competitions are organized by various Kite Clubs in the city. Supported by the state government, the festival draws kite enthusiasts from far and wide.
Held on Makar Sankranti, the festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer, sunnier days, known as Uttarayana. Traditionally, people spent this day outdoors to absorb sunlight, believed to have medicinal properties, especially beneficial for warding off winter illnesses. Over time, this sun-soaking ritual turned into a playful kite-flying pastime. Friendly competitions began to take shape, with participants earning “points” for cutting others’ kite strings or catching fallen kites as trophies.
This lively tradition spread across India, with Jaipur taking it to the next level by hosting the grand International Kite Festival on Makar Sankranti each year. Now, the skies of Jaipur are filled with kites, capturing the joy, skill, and spirit of one of Rajasthan’s most vibrant festivals.
Events at the Festival
Inaugurated at the Jaipur Polo Ground, the festival has two events- one is the Kite War and the other is the Friendly Kite Flying Session.
Kites of every shade, size and shape can be seen fluttering through the air. And the sight is nothing short of mesmerizing. From roses, elephants, Eiffel Tower to the Royal Enfield Bullet; there is a whole different world out there for you to admire and capture.
From dawn to dusk, people of all ages can be seen flying kites and rejoicing in the spirit of the day. Crowded rooftops, fun-loving rivalry to outdo each other and delicious feast are the hallmarks of the day.
The prizes for the people whose kite stayed the longest in the sky are distributed on the third day at Umaid Bhavan Palace’s premises. Even though the prices of kites are higher than usual, nothing stops the people of Jaipur from having a crazy time with their friends and family. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the lanterns at night.
Since the whole city immerses in the celebrations, the kite festival majorly takes place in the Jaipur Polo Ground where it is also inaugurated. Besides, people fly kites from their rooftops, from over the monuments, in the streets and forts like Nahargarh.
Food and Snacks at Jaipur Kite Festival
During the Jaipur Kite Festival, the festive spirit fills not just the festival grounds but the entire city. Makar Sankranti, celebrated as one of the beloved festivals of Rajasthan, brings with it a delightful spread of food and snacks that kite enthusiasts and locals alike enjoy. Across town, stalls and vendors offer sweet delicacies and traditional Rajasthani snacks, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. At the Polo Ground, where the kite festival in India draws large crowds, you’ll find stalls selling popular treats like phirni, daal ki pakodi, and til laddoo, along with a variety of other sweetmeats, snacks, and beverages. The Jaipur Kite Festival is as much a feast for the taste buds as it is a celebration in the skies!
Safety Concerns at Jaipur Kite Festival
While the Jaipur Kite Festival on Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great zeal as one of the most vibrant festivals of Rajasthan, it also brings certain safety risks. Like other kite festivals in India, intense competition can lead to the dangerous practice of coating kite strings, or “manjha,” with glass or metal to cut competitors’ kites. This sharp manjha is nearly invisible to the eye, posing a serious threat to birds, as many become entangled, injured, or fall to the ground, often suffering fatal infections or injuries.
Efforts have been made to mitigate these risks, with rescue vans available to tend to injured birds. However, each year, numerous birds, humans, and street animals are harmed by the manjha. Bikers, rickshaw drivers, and pedestrians may also get entangled in fallen kites, causing severe cuts and injuries. Children, especially younger ones, face additional hazards, such as road accidents while chasing kites or falls from rooftops. If you plan to participate in the Jaipur Kite Festival, please exercise caution. Let’s enjoy the spirit of Makar Sankranti responsibly and keep this beautiful festival in India safer for all.
How to Reach Jaipur for the Kite Festival
By Air:
The Sanganer Airport is situated 13 km away from Jaipur. The airport receives both domestic as well as international flights. From the airport, you can take autos, buses or book an airport cab to reach Jaipur to attend the Kite festival.
By Train:
Jaipur is well-connected to all parts of India via railways. For a royal experience, you can commute via Palace on Wheels. Once you reach the railway station, you can hire a taxi in Jaipur or board a bus to reach your destination.
By Road:
Jaipur is well-connected to every city in India via road. You can opt for a Delhi to Jaipur cab for an amazing road trip experience. And if you wish to explore more of Rajasthan, hire a reliable car rental with a driver in Jaipur to take you around.
So, if you’re ready to start the year with a vibrant adventure, let Jaipur’s Kite Festival lift your spirits to new heights. Join the excitement, bask in the festive energy, and watch the skies come alive in this one-of-a-kind celebration. Make your journey seamless and memorable by booking a Savaari cab – your perfect travel companion for exploring Jaipur and beyond. Download the Savaari app now, and get ready to experience Jaipur’s beauty and tradition like never before
Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Shabari Shankar
