3.2 The Kite Festival

Kites have evolved significantly over time. In the past, the only kites available were simple old-fashioned ones made of kite paper and thin wooden frames. Today, modern inventions have introduced motorised kites and even fibreglass kites. During international festivals, one can witness a wonderful variety of exotic kites from countries like Japan and the USA, soaring into the skies in marvellous shapes such as eagles and snakes. Additionally, at night, illuminated box-kites called 'tukals' are strung on a single line and launched into the dark sky, adding grand beauty to the event.

The International Kite Festival at Ahmedabad is a grand event organised by the Gujarat State Tourism Corporation. It is held either at the Sardar Patel Stadium or the Police Stadium. This popular festival attracts international kite-flyers from countries like Japan, the USA, and the UK, who demonstrate their skills with exotic kites. Local champions also participate, flying little Indian paper-kites. Excited spectators gather to watch in awe as kites of marvellous shapes and brilliant colours soar into the skies, making it a spectacular celebration.

The Patang or Kite Bazar, located in the heart of Ahmedabad, is one of the highlights of the kite festival. It remains open twenty-four hours a day for a whole week. The market is constantly crowded with people buying their stocks and haggling throughout the night, proving the city's sheer obsession with kites. Here, skilled craftsmen demonstrate age-old kite-making techniques and prepare special sharp threads coated with a mixture of glue and ground glass, which are then rolled onto reels known as 'firkees'.

AHMEDABAD SKIES PAINTED WITH COLOURS AT THE INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL

Ahmedabad, 15 January: The International Kite Festival was celebrated with immense enthusiasm and joy at the Sardar Patel Stadium yesterday. The event was organised by the Gujarat State Tourism Corporation and was attended by thousands of excited spectators. A wonderful variety of exotic kites was flown by international participants from countries like Japan, the UK, and the USA. Furthermore, exceptional skills were demonstrated by local champions flying traditional Indian paper kites.

The skies were filled with marvellous shapes of eagles and dragons. The traditional Patang Bazar was kept open twenty-four hours a day, where age-old kite-making skills were demonstrated by skilled craftsmen. Special sharp threads, coated with glue and ground glass, were prepared and sold to enthusiastic buyers. As the sun set, the dark sky was beautifully illuminated by box-kites known as 'tukals'. The festival was truly a spectacular visual treat for everyone.

15, Sunview Apartments,
Navrangpura, Ahmedabad.
16th January, 2026.

Dear David,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to share my incredible experience at the International Kite Festival here in Ahmedabad. It was my very first time, and I was absolutely thrilled by the festivities!

The entire city was completely obsessed with kites. We went to the Sardar Patel Stadium, and the sky was literally painted with a thousand colours. There were kite flyers from all over the world, including your country, flying massive kites shaped like dragons, eagles, and even giant snakes! The local champions were just as amazing, competing fiercely to cut each other's kite lines. The crowd cheered loudly every time a kite was cut.

At night, the excitement continued as hundreds of illuminated box-kites, called 'tukals', were launched into the sky. It looked like a string of new stars had appeared. We also ate some delicious traditional Gujarati sweets. I really wish you were here to experience it with me. Let me know when you plan to visit India next!

Give my regards to your parents.

Yours affectionately,
Rahul