The Kite Festival

Answer the following questions:

1. How did the kites of the past differ from the modern ones?

Ans. The kites of the past were made of kite paper and wooden frame but modern kites are motorized and made of fibre glass. The kites of past were box kites which were designed more than a hundred years ago, have inspired others to create the power driven aeroplanes. In this way, the kites of past differed from modern ones.

2. When is kite-flying at its peak in India?

Ans. The kite flying is at its peak in spring season and Makar Sankranti. This day also coincides with the festival of Uttarayan, when the sun is said to begin its journey to the northern hemisphere.

3. Why is the kite-festival at Ahmedabad so special?

Ans. The Kite Festival, at Ahmedabad is organised by the Gujarat State Tourism Corporation. International kite–flyers participate in flying exotic kites and compete with local champions. Little Indian paper-kites compete with those from Japan, USA, UK and other countries. Excited spectators watch in awe at the marvellous shapes such as eagles and snakes which soar into the skies. In the heart of Ahmedabad there is Patang or Kite Bazar. For a whole week it is open for twenty-four hours a day, In the middle of the night when we visit the bazar we come to know how people are obsessed with kites. People crowd the streets and buy their stocks, haggling through the night. Skilled craftsmen demonstrate age-old kite-making skills and how to prepare special thread for flying kites. At night the illuminated box-kites called tukals, add grand beauty to the dark sky and compete with shining stars.

4. What does a visit to the Patang Bazar prove?

Ans. Patang or Kite Bazar, is one of the highlights of kite festival. It is in the heart of Ahmedabad, which is open twenty-four hours a day, for a whole week. In the middle of the night when we visit the bazar we come to know how people are obsessed with kites. People crowd the streets and buy their stocks, haggling through the night.