Kite Festival

The history-laced Pink City of Jaipur is a traveler's Shangri-la. Marvelous yester year architecture, lovely forts and fantastic locales- it is truly an oasis, far away from the frenetic pace of our regular lives. The Kite Festival, celebrated on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, is another highlight of this imperial city. Hundreds and thousands of tourists flock to its Olympian realm every year, on the fourteenth day of the month of January.

The jubilations comprising three days of fun, frolic and excitement, was set in motion some years ago. The proceedings kick off at the lush Jaipur Polo Grounds and culminates at the regal Umaid Bhawan Palace, the abode of Raja of the Pink City. The piercing blue skies flecked with bright hued kites in an assortment of shapes and sizes, motley crowd, enthusiastic contestants with an adrenaline rush- the Kite festival of Jaipur is a rendezvous to remember.

The festival is marked by the coming together of ardent contestants. Exclamations of joy and disappointment reverberate all across the polo grounds as kites jostle for space in the clear azure expanse. Contestants make a beeline for the kite competitive segment of the celebrations. One can also showcase one's kite flying skills in the non-competitive section. The Indian Air Force's kite exhibition provides spectacular entertainment for the audience. Lavish spreads at beautiful haunts await contestants at the end of an eventful day.

The festival reaches its crescendo on the day of the grand finale. The Umaid Bhawan Palace, resplendent in all its shining glory, plays host to final celebrations. A lucullan feast follows the award ceremony.

Jaipur, the capital city of the wondrous Rajasthan, is well connected by roadways, airways and railways, facilitating hassle free journey. So, put brakes on your hectic pace of life and head towards Jaipur to have a whale of a time.

Last Updated on 01 December 2011