International Kite Festival in Gujarat (Uttarayan)

Indian festivals · kite flying · traditions

Sky filled with kites. During Uttarayan in Gujarat, people launch countless kites into the sky to celebrate Makara Sankranti, a Hindu festival marking the sun's transition into the zodiac sign Capricornus.

January celebration. The International Kite Festival happens every year for two days in January and marks the end of winter and the exciting beginning of the harvest season.

Months of preparation. Families start making or buying kites many months before the festival arrives, creating beautiful handmade kites in all sorts of colors and designs.

Following the sun. This festival celebrates an important moment in the Hindu calendar when the sun moves into a new position, which people in Gujarat honor with their ancient kite-flying tradition.