Uttarayan, (Makar Sakranti)
January 14 is the day of Uttarayan, (also known as  Makar Sakranti) when the sun starts to travel northwards, marking the decline of winter. The days become longer, the skies clearer and the breeze stronger.
In Gujarat, Uttarayan is a holiday
when every family can be met outdoors. People of all ages fly kites
from dawn to dusk. Estimates of kites flown during this celebration
are in the millions. Crowded rooftops, fun-loving rivalry to outdo
each other in kite flying skills and delicious traditional Gujarati
feasts are the hallmark of the day.
Between 65-70 kite enthusiasts from Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe,
South America and USA came to participate in the Gujarat International
Kite Festival, held at the Police Stadium in Ahmedabad. The festival
included cultural programs of Gujarati folk music and dance, parades
and speeches from Gujarati dignitaries and the attendance of "Bollywood" TV
and film stars.
The Drachen Foundation was graciously invited to participate by the Indian Government and we were pleased to be included!
International
Goa Kite "Carnival"
Miramar Beach, Goa, India
January 16 - 18, 2004
The wind and weather conditions were excellent for flying
kites at Miramar Beach. The participants included “Always in the Air” (AWITA),
a team from France comprising Nicolas Grez, Nicolas Essner, and Sandrine Cussaguet,
with an impressive array of huge inflatable and other exotic kites.
Also participating in the carnival were Vanny Peccholi and Ciro Sarti
from Italy, Greg Kono and Kiyomi Okawa from the Drachen Foundation in
Seattle, as well as several kitists from all over India.
The "carnival"; organized by Mr. Ajay Prakash of Nomad Travel,
was a huge success, with great food, music and huge crowds.
What more could you ask for?
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