Jaipur's Kite Flying Matches Gujarat's Uttarayan
By Gopendra Nath Bhatt
When Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he invited several Bollywood stars to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar to celebrate Uttarayan and participate in kite flying. This initiative brought international recognition to Gujarat’s Uttarayan and kite flying festivals. Consequently, tourist attractions like Ahmedabad’s kite festival and the Rann of Kutch became popular, significantly boosting Gujarat's tourism industry. Recently, the Prime Minister even mentioned the Rann of Kutch in his first podcast.
Rajasthan, often referred to as a paradise for domestic and international tourists, attracts visitors throughout the year to destinations like Mount Abu, Nathdwara, and Udaipur. Despite its immense tourism potential, Jaipur’s kite flying festival on Makar Sankranti has yet to gain the global recognition that Gujarat’s Uttarayan enjoys. The Rajasthan Tourism Department had declared the Jaipur Kite Festival an international event, but it remains overshadowed. There is a pressing need to promote Jaipur as a premier international destination for kite flying.
Despite the biting cold, Jaipur’s enthusiasm for kite flying remains unparalleled. This year, due to weather changes, colder conditions are being reported across Rajasthan. However, the weather department forecasts a clear morning on January 14, with no fog, moderate sunshine, and minimal chances of rain in Jaipur. Winds, moving at a speed of 5-10 km/h, will create perfect conditions for kite flying.
To ensure safety, the use of Chinese manjha (kite string) has been heavily restricted this year due to its deadly hazards. Kite flying will be banned in Jaipur from 6 to 8 AM and 5 to 7 PM. Additionally, residents of 15 colonies near Jaipur Airport have been prohibited from flying kites to avoid accidents. Strict measures have been implemented, including police advisories and checks.
On Makar Sankranti, rooftops in Jaipur will be filled with people flying kites, enjoying the festive atmosphere, and indulging in local delicacies like sesame sweets and traditional snacks. Markets in Jaipur were bustling the night before, as people shopped for colorful kites and manjha. The city’s charm is amplified by the artistic designs of kites that mesmerize both locals and tourists.
A grand celebration has been planned at Jal Mahal in Jaipur on January 14, from 11 AM to 2 PM. Visitors will witness kite-flying competitions, cultural performances, and a kite-making workshop. Complimentary camel rides and kites will be offered to tourists, ensuring an enjoyable experience.
However, the darker side of kite flying remains, as Chinese manjha continues to cause accidents despite being banned. A tragic incident in Sikar district highlighted the dangers when a boy was electrocuted while trying to retrieve a kite stuck on a high-voltage wire. Police across Rajasthan are actively campaigning against the sale of Chinese manjha, but enforcement challenges persist.
Makar Sankranti will also see special religious offerings and prayers at Jaipur’s Govind Dev Ji Temple and the holy site of Galta Teerth. Devotees will perform rituals, bathe in holy waters, and offer donations.
Jaipur’s kite festival rivals Gujarat’s Uttarayan in grandeur and enthusiasm. The question remains whether Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who also serves as Rajasthan’s Tourism Minister, will take innovative steps to establish Rajasthan as an international destination for kite flying, similar to what Narendra Modi achieved for Gujarat. At the same time, stronger measures are needed to enforce a complete ban on Chinese manjha. This year’s developments will be worth watching.
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