Uttarayan is the greatest kite festival in the world that draws people from across the globe. Many come to watch the awesome wonder of a thousand kites, in all shapes and sizes, take flight and dot the sky with brilliant shades of colour. Meanwhile, others come to take part in the exciting kite-flying competition where they get to test their skills against the best of the best. The anticipations and the preparations start at the crack of the dawn and the spirit of celebration and cheerful competitiveness lasts until dark.

Uttarayan, like all festivals, is an opportunity for family and friends to get together and participate in kite-flying. Delicious dishes are prepared in homes, the most popular being ladoos (round sweets) and surati jamun undhyu (a Gujarati mixed vegetable dish). A particular highlight of the festival is a sound and light show on kites that makes for an enriching experience. Several training workshops are held across the cities that give you an opportunity to interact with kite-makers and buy beautiful varieties.

The festivities remain concentrated in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Telangana, particularly in the cities of Ahmedabad, Udaipur and Jaipur.