The International Kite Festival, Jaipur is one of the most- attended festivals in Rajasthan. The most colorful festival of Rajasthan provides unlimited fun and frolic.
This festival is celebrated on 14th of January every year, the day of Makar Sankranti. The popularity of the International Kite Festival in Jaipur is such that it attracts kite fliers from far off corners of the country.
The thrill and excitement lingers in the air and everyone is enchanted. Join the joyous mood of Jaipur and celebrate the pleasure of flying kites.
Dates for International Kite Festival 2023, Jaipur
International Kite Festival Jaipur 2023 will be celebrated for 3 days. The festival starts on 14th January and shall continue till 16th January.
History of Kite Festival in Jaipur
The international Kite Festival in Jaipur has a long-standing history. The custom of flying kites is associated with Makar Sankranti. People celebrate the blessed day by flying kites, from their rooftops. Kite flying competitions are also organized on this festival.
People fly kites on Makar Sankranti because they receive the benefits of sun exposure. During winter, our body gets infected and suffers with cough and cold and the skin also gets dry during this season.
When Sun moves in Uttarayana, its rays act as medicine for the body. During kite flying the human body is continuously exposed to sun rays, which eradicates most of the infections and insanitation.
Jaipur Inernational Kite Festival Celebrations 2023
The International Kite Festival of Jaipur has grown into a magnificent event. It experiences a huge participation. The festival is inaugurated at the Jaipur Polo Ground.
The festival is divided into two sections, one is the Kite War and the other is the Friendly Kite Flying Session. The Kite festival is inaugurated at the Jaipur Polo Ground.
The last day of celebration and the prize distribution too is held after three days, in the Umaid Bhawan Palace’s royal premises.
Kites of every shade of indigo, ochre, red, blue, yellow, green, fushcia, indigo, ochre, pink, orange against the blue January sky is a dazzling sight. From dawn to dusk, people of all ages fly kites rejoicing in the spirit of the day.
Crowded rooftops, fun-loving rivalry to outdo each other, and delicious feast are the hallmarks of the day. People are seen indulging in the appetizing flavors of sweets prepared specially for the day.
How to Reach Jaipur
By Air
Jaipur has its own city airport. The Sanganer Airport is 13 km from the city. The air terminal receives both domestic and international flights. From the airport taxis, autos, buses and cabs commute to the city.
By Rail
Jaipur is well connected to almost every part of India through the means of Indian Railways. There are several trains commuting to the city. For a royal experience one can take the Palace on Wheels. Luxury trains and other rail rides run on the route. From the railhead, buses, cabs, taxis and autos traverse the city.
By Road
Jaipur has a good network of roads. Frequent connections are available from Delhi and major cities of India. Luxury buses, state owned buses are run by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). Cabs, taxis and private vehicles also commute to the capital city of Rajasthan.
If you are planning to attend the International Kite Festival in Jaipur make plans for stay in the city. Choose from our collection of hotels in Jaipur. Luxury hotels, palace converted as heritage stays, budget lodgings are available for bookings at your desired location.
If you also want to explore more of Rajasthan and its royal pleasures, you may want to browse through our collection of Jaipur tour packages.
Also check out packages that include visit to Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Pushkar and other major cities. Make comfortable and hassle free travel plans with us.
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SHOWCASING THE HISTORY AND COLORS OF RAJASTHAN
Rajasthan has long since been considered as one of the most colorful and culturally rich states in the country. It is well known across the world as the land of festivals, and with good reason.
The fervor and zest that is displayed at each and every celebration is just another colorful feather in the beautiful plumage of Rajasthan. One of the first major celebrations of every New Year is Makar Sankranti, a festival that follows the solar cycle rather than the lunar cycle, like most festivals in India.
Over the years, Makar Sankranti has come to be celebrated as one of the most colorful and vibrant festivals of the country, and where there is pomp to be displayed, Rajasthan is always at the forefront, displaying their fun and frolic with full gusto.
As several feasts and rituals showcasing the beauty of Rajasthani culture dot the entire state, any mention of Makar Sankranti would be incomplete without a mention of the Jaipur Kite Festival.
The kite flyers and visitors, throng to Jaipur in multitudes to experience and partake in the merrymaking.
THE SIGNIFICANCE :
The kite festivalis observed on Makar Sankranti or Uttarayanwhich marks the transition of the sun to makara rashi (Capricorn) from the dhanu rashi (Sagittarius). It is said that the northward journey of the sun (Uttarayan) begins on this day, making the celebrations quite auspicious in nature. In Jaipur, Makar Sankranti is a government holidaywhere all shops, banks, and offices are closed, adding to the merriment of celebration, as people indulge in fun-loving rivalry, and try to outdo each other in the numerous kite flying activity held across the city.
THE HISTORY :
The beginning of this festival finds its roots in the belief that winters were over and spending prolonged hours in the sunlight are supposed to be good for everyone. Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of summer which is greeted by the population spending the day on their roofs, flying kites, and trying to cut each other’s strings. Steadily, the Kite Festival in Jaipur was born, and today, people fly kites throughout the day as the startling blue of the sky gets dotted with a million colors, transforming it into a sight to behold.
THE PARTICIPATION :
The kite festival has become one of the standout events of the city of Jaipur, and is attended by visitors from all over the world. The Kite War and the Friendly Kite Flying at the festival are the main two attractions of the days around Makar Sankranti.The locals take this celebration quite seriously as can be witnessed on the full roofs of the homes all across town.
THE CULTURAL ELEMENT :
The kite festival in Jaipur, Rajasthan also includes several cultural performances that showcase with exhilarationand the numerous colors of Rajasthan’s folk and culture. From local singers exaltingthe virtues and braveries of times long gone to dancers exhibiting their finesse at local customary dances that capture the splendor of Rajasthan; the kite festival is the embodiment of the Rajasthani background.
THE FOOD :
All across Jaipur, feasts commemorate the celebration of Makar Sankranti with delicious Rajasthani treats including pheeni, daal ki pakori, til ke laddoo and til-laddoo. While the Kite Flying Festival is full of participants, celebrations,visitors,delicacies and fun, you might want to hit the local markets for a chance to interact with the locals and to become a part of their celebrations as well. Take some suggestions from someone well-versed in Rajasthani delicacies and well-acquainted with the streets of Jaipur to begin your gastronomic adventure with local food.
THE WHEN AND HOW :
The Jaipur Kite Festival is a major celebration that invites people of all ethnicities and regions to the city. The kite flying festival is celebrated on the 14 th of January on Makar Sankranti. Owing to the popularity of the festival, it is suggested that you make your bookings in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. 
HOW TO GET TO JAIPUR
- Jaipur has its own airport, the Sanganer Airport, which is at a distance of about 13 km from the main city. The terminal has a number of flights plying to and from the city,including both international and domestic flights. From the airport, one may use taxis, cabs, autos, or buses to commute to the city.
- Jaipur has quite a good network of roads for travelers using them. Frequent connections are available to Jaipur from Delhi and other major cities in India. From luxury buses to state owned buses, run by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC), there are numerous ways to reach the city of Jaipur. Cabs, taxis, and private vehicles can also commute to Jaipur easily.
- The Indian Railways connect Jaipur to almost all parts of India. There are several trains that commute to the city, and Jaipur also falls on the route of the luxurious Palace on Wheels.
