Soar High with KITES



It was a bright weekend and a nice sunny weather to be at International Kite Flying Festival being held at iconic India Gate in New Delhi on Dec 08, 2012. The second edition of the festival had participants from UK, Thailand etc. The kites of myriad shapes, sizes and attractive colour combinations won hearts of many visitors who thronged the lawns. With the kites, the festivities also soared high. And, so do the spirits of charged up onlooker. Kids had a gala time to look astonshingly at the train of 180 kites on a single string.



A train of kites with Indian national flag motif.

The lady partcipant from Thailand, who in her Balinese dresses enticed one and all, danced to the flight of her colourfully designed kites with uniquely held 24 strings. Another participant in her bright red coloured dress flying a kite in the shape of 'Garuda', a Hindu mythological character, attracted the local and national media personnel who was seen going ga-ga over taking her pictures clicked by making varied poses and postures. to catch the best shot.

A villager selling traditional stuff toys.

The kites, which are said to have been invented more than 2800 years back in China, have graduated to improvised 'ripstop' material and nylon/kavlar strings. The stalls put up by various participating kite clubs displayed their wonderfully designed kites, some colourful, some traditional and some with a social message. The live music, magic shows, Rajasthani dances, traditional food court and shops under the trees added much joy to the festivities.



Traditional dancers adding music to the environs.