From royal splendor to riotous consensus, 14 January
is celebrated in India as Makar Sankranti - heralding the transition of
the sun into the Northern hemisphere. There is a tradition of Kite
flying in different parts of India on the day of Makar sankranti.
In Jaipur Kites virtually blot out the sky. Everyone joins in this
riotous celebration and shouts of "Woh Kata!" reverberate from
rooftops to the accompaniment of drums as adversary's kites are cut
down. It is interesting to note that everyone is an adversary!
This Desert Kite Festival is held every year. Kite makers flaunt kites
sized as big as 1.5km of various shapes and Designs. Some Kites carrying
messages, some depicting social issues, some as caricatures of
politicians. The kite festival has been the most popular event recently;
even tourists can take part in various kite flying competitions. The
colors that flaunt in the blue sky mesmerize the viewers and tourists.
