Welcome to Rajasthan Tourism

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  • Kite Festival

    Kite Festival

The Jaipur Kite Festival

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.

    The When and How
How to get to Jaipur

How to get to Jaipur

  • flight icon 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.
  • car icon 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.
  • train icon 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.