Vibrant threads connected the world at India’s prestigious International Kite Festival, where foreign participants couldn’t stop praising the experience. ‘Nothing compares to this scale and spirit,’ declared Hassan from the UAE, guiding his falcon-shaped kite through turbulent winds.
The event, steeped in tradition yet embracing modernity, attracted elite flyers eager to test their mettle. Elaborate setups dotted the landscape: towering bamboo frames supporting behemoths that cast shadows over cheering crowds. From dawn till dusk, the sky remained a canvas of competition and creativity.
Visitors marveled at the diversity. ‘I’ve flown in festivals across five continents, but India’s passion is infectious,’ said Elena from Italy. She joined locals in tug-of-war style battles, learning the art of ‘dhang’—the aggressive pull that decides victors. Cultural performances interspersed the action, blending folk dances with kite launches.
As dusk settled, LED-lit kites painted nocturnal masterpieces. Stories of triumph and friendly rivalries filled the air long after strings were reeled in. The festival reinforced India’s position as a kite-flying powerhouse, leaving global participants hooked for life and promising stronger international ties come next season.