They’re pretty, they’re colorful, and they flutter and float in the air….what could they be? Kites, of course! Who could imagine a better way to spend time than with flocks of other people, every person with his or her own beautifully decorated kite? If you’re a fan of such happy, vibrant holidays, International Kite Day is not a holiday you’d like to miss.
The History of International Kite Day
International Kite Day originated in India, in the state of Gujarat, which is famous for the number of festivals taking place there every year. The inhabitants of Gujarat begin manufacturing the kites months in advance so they can be sure to have enough, as millions of people visit Gujarat during it. The kite festival, called Uttarayan in Hindi, celebrates the day that winter ends and summer begins, as well as the upcoming harvest season, and the kites symbolize the spirits of the gods that are awaking from their deep winter sleep.
Originally, kite-flying was a sport practiced by royalty and the very wealthy, but in the recent years, it has become a festival for all that people come from all over the country and even the world to take part in, especially people from Japan, Italy, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, the USA, Malaysia, Singapore, France, and China.