Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the 14th of January, every year in India. It is called the Kite Festival in Jaipur. Makar Sankranti denotes Uttarayan or the northward journey of the Sun. The other aspect is that the Sun enters Makar Rashi or Capricorn sun sign on this day. It has a huge religious significance in Hinduism. People visit Galta to take a dip in holy water storage also called Galta Kund. The residents of Jaipur celebrate this day by flying kites which is why it is called the Jaipur Kite Festival.
They also visit the Sun temple located close by, on a hill – Surya Mandir to worship the Sun God. Many people also carry out the ritual of performing charity to the poor and feeding domesticated animals like cows etc.
Makar Sankranti | Kite Flying Festival in Jaipur
While this was the religious and astrological explanation, Makar Sankranti in Jaipur is also celebrated by flying kites. It’s a local holiday & markets remain closed on this day. People celebrate this day by flying kites therefore called the Kite Festival Jaipur. The best place to witness the atmosphere of kite flying is in the walled city area of Jaipur. People engage in kite flying & kite fights!! Kite fights are locally called Dangal or Pech.
Related Post–JAIPUR KITE FESTIVAL/2016/ PHOTO JOURNEY
History of Kite Flying In Jaipur
One of the most famous anecdotes associated with Makar Sankranti is that of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II, the erstwhile king of the state. He was a great patron of the kites & kite festivals and used to fly kites having gold and silver ornamentations. In case, his kite is lost during a kite fight, the person returning it back was rewarded. When the Jaipur royalty was so passionate about kites, it was natural for this enthusiasm to trickle down to the common people.
There are two cities in India where people celebrate this day with kite flying. Ahmedabad and Jaipur are famous for kite-flying festivals. Jaipur witnesses a large number of visitors because it is popular as a travel destination.
Related Post–JAIPUR KITE FESTIVAL | PHOTO JOURNEY
Pictures of the Kite festival Jaipur.
A shop selling jumbo size Charkhi in Haldiyon Ka Rasta, Johri Bazar, Jaipur. Charkhi has the thread line required for flying kites.
A Kite fight is akin to a match in cricket. Skilled kite men know how to steer their kites well!
Many of the above pictures were clicked at Haldion Ka Rasta in Johri Bazar, Jaipur. This street is the most popular Kite market and is famous for the shops selling the best quality kites and Manjha– glass-coated thread used for flying kites. Usually, quality kites and Manjha are sourced from the city in the neighboring state, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. There is another Kite market in Jaipur called Handipura in Ramganj Bazar. It is lined with many shops selling kites and Manjha. This market is popular for commercial quality kites and Manjha. I’ll retain a detailed post on special food on Makar Sankranti for some other time!
Check out Related Post–JAIPUR KITE FESTIVAL/2016/ PHOTO JOURNEY
During Sunset, people switch to flying hot air lanterns and fireworks. It seems as if people are celebrating Diwali!!! I’m unable to post these pictures…maybe next time!! Out of all festivals, the kite festival has still retained its full flavor in Jaipur, unlike other festivals that have faded over the years. It is worth experiencing this festival in Jaipur.
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JaipurThruMyLens 
Jaipur looks so lively on Makar Sankranti. It is best kept tradition by Jaipurites. Beautiful post…loved those colorful kite photographs 🙂
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Thank you Bushra for checking it out and commenting! In India, two cities are crazy about kites – Jaipur & Ahmadabad. The tradition of kites in Jaipur is very old, as I mentioned in the post. Probably, next time I would also like to post about the evening celebrations with chinese lanterns and firecrackers! I’m happy that you liked the pictures!
🙂
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Beautiful post. Jaipur indeed has a very vibrant culture of its own. 🙂
Perhaps one of the most wonderful cities in India.
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Pranjal! Thank you. I guess every city has it’s own culture, some are more renowned. Jaipur certainly is a very popular city for many reasons. Everyone’s got their own!
🙂
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So colourful! And interesting information.
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Thank you Anabel! yes, these kites are all about colors! It’s a festival that sees participation of all…including women and children!
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Beautiful photos, Arv. I had no idea that there was a tradition of kite fighting there. From your description, it is exactly the way that kite fighting was done in Afghanistan (before the Taliban stopped it – I wonder if it still happens at all?)
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It’s an old tradition. kite flying and fighting both were much stronger earlier, with advent of modern gadgets people have more options today. like any other sports, you need skills for flying and fight both. as for Afghanistan the connection seems to be logical. The king of amer /Jaipur -Maharajah sawai man Singh fought few wars in Afghanistan. It is possible that this tradition might have reached Jaipur in his rein.
Thanks for pointing out Afghanistan link Mick! 🙂
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Beautiful pics.
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Thanks xhobdo! 🙂
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Beautiful! Love the colours, especially on those more traditional looking kites. The Tom & Jerry and other cartoon ones are amusing! Good marketing to keep the kids interested I’m guessing 🙂
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Gitanjali, thanks for checking it out. kite flying is very popular in Jaipur among all age groups and this also means you do get some good choices too!
🙂
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Admiring the hard work you put into your blog and detailed information you offer. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material. Wonderful read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
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Thanks. I’m glad you liked it
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