Kites have existed for over 3000 years. Kites are believed to have originated in china where the knowledge of silk weaving and papermaking work was combined with use of bamboo. Large Chinese kites were deployed as military tools to send signals, frighten the enemy with firework, or to locate enemy camps.

The art of making kites spread to India, Malaysia and Indonesia as trade and pilgrimage bought technologies and beliefs back and forth. Kites made there way further into Arabia and Africa through silk route. Portuguese traders and Dutch East India Company introduced kites to Europe.

In India Mnzan’s classic literary work “Madhumati” mentions kites like Patang, the word that is still in use today. Uttarayan, the 14th of January every year is the centuries old Gujarati kite festival celebrating the change of season from winter to spring. It is also known as “The Gujarat international Kite festival” since 1989. Over time kite flying has blossomed into joyful and popular sports worldwide.

Uttarayan Festival for all

Myriad kites of all colors and sizes by thousands flutter and swirling the skies of Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat and cities, towns and villages across Gujarat. Special foods, drinks, snacks are prepared to be eaten on the rooftops. Friends, neighbors and families make an effort to get together on this day. The night is lit with special paper lanterns called “Tukkals”. These are attached in series to white kites, visible at night sky. They play like flickering bright stars filling the night with life. This event is breathtaking and worth visit to Gujarat from any part of globe.

The kite festival represents a pervasive community spirit. People of all ages irrespective of their caste, creed or color participate in uniquely Indian festival.

Kite Making

The making of kite is an art, which involves almost 26 processes. Each kite travels to 8 destinations before it get completed. For instance every kite has to travel to Mahudha in Kheda district where it acquires a firm thread for its frame. While retailing may only be for 2 months, the manufacturing process goes through year. Kites are made largely in Ahmedabad, Nadiad, Mahudha, Khambhat, Vadodara and Surat. Approximately a lakh of artisans are engaged in gainful employment. By November seasonal string makers set up “shop”. They coat string with “Manja”-a paste of grounded glass and rice powder colored with textile dyes.

Kites are mostly made at homes and the work is shared equally among men, women and children. They are able to make 3000-4000 kites per day as season draws near. These skilled kite makers assemble paper, bamboo and glue at breakneck speed, packing the kites in the set of 5 for wholesale and retail markets. Special white kites are flown in the night with “Tukkals”, which are small papers lanterns attached in series.

The kite community

India is land of diversity, where the spirit of tolerance and communal harmony reign supreme. India as a country preserves the pillars of a civilized society by celebrating events, occasions and festivals, which bring social integration.

Uttarayan-Gujarat kite festival nurtures social well being and generates a genuine spirit of goodwill amongst different communities. Interactions during the festival help to build bridges and spread amity amongst people.

Findings of surveys carried out by 3 management consultants reveal that 70% of workforce engaged in kite making are women.