THE UDAIPUR KITE FESTIVAL
Rajasthan has long since been considered as one of the most colorful and culturally rich states in the country. It is well known across the world as the land of festivals, and with good reason. The fervor and zest that is displayed at each and every celebration is just another colorful feather in the beautiful plumage of Rajasthan. One of the first major celebrations of every New Year is Makar Sankranti, a festival that follows the solar cycle rather than the lunar cycle, like most festivals in India. Over the years, Makar Sankranti has come to be celebrated as one of the most colorful and vibrant festivals of the country, and where there is pomp to be displayed, Rajasthan is always at the forefront, displaying their fun and frolic with full gusto. As several feasts and rituals showcasing the beauty of Rajasthani culture dot the entire state, any mention of Makar Sankranti would be incomplete without a mention of the Udaipur Kite Festival. The kite flyers and visitors, throng to Udaipur in multitudes to experience and partake in the merrymaking.
THE SIGNIFICANCE
The kite festivalis observed on Makar Sankranti or Uttarayanwhich marks the transition of the sun to makara rashi (Capricorn) from the dhanu rashi (Sagittarius). It is said that the northward journey of the sun (Uttarayan) begins on this day, making the celebrations quite auspicious in nature. In Udaipur, Makar Sankranti is a government holidaywhere all shops, banks, and offices are closed, adding to the merriment of celebration, as people indulge in fun-loving rivalry, and try to outdo each other in the numerous kite flying activity held across the city.
THE HISTORY
The beginning of this festival finds its roots in the belief that winters were over and spending prolonged hours in the sunlight are supposed to be good for everyone. Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of summer which is greeted by the population spending the day on their roofs, flying kites, and trying to cut each other’s strings. Steadily, the Kite Festival in Udaipur was born, and today, people fly kites throughout the day as the startling blue of the sky gets dotted with a million colors, transforming it into a sight to behold.
THE PARTICIPATION
The kite festival has become one of the standout events of the city of Udaipur, and is attended by visitors from all over the world. The Kite War and the Friendly Kite Flying at the festival are the main two attractions of the days around Makar Sankranti.The locals take this celebration quite seriously as can be witnessed on the full roofs of the homes all across town.
THE CULTURAL ELEMENT
The kite festival in Udaipur, Rajasthan also includes several cultural performances that showcase with exhilarationand the numerous colors of Rajasthan’s folk and culture. From local singers exaltingthe virtues and braveries of times long gone to dancers exhibiting their finesse at local customary dances that capture the splendor of Rajasthan; the kite festival is the embodiment of the Rajasthani background.
THE FOOD
All across Udaipur, feasts commemorate the celebration of Makar Sankranti with delicious Rajasthani treats including pheeni, daal ki pakori, til ke laddoo and til-laddoo. While the Kite Flying Festival is full of participants, celebrations,visitors,delicacies and fun, you might want to hit the local markets for a chance to interact with the locals and to become a part of their celebrations as well. Take some suggestions from someone well-versed in Rajasthani delicacies and well-acquainted with the streets of Udaipur to begin your gastronomic adventure with local food.
