From royal splendour to riotous egalitarianism , 14 January is celebrated in
India as Makar Sankranti - heralding the transition of the sun into the Northern
hemisphere.
In Jaipur Kites virtually blot out the sky. Everyone joins in this riotous
celebration and shouts of " Woh Kata Hai !" reverberate from rooftops
to the accompaniment of drums as adversary's kites are cut down. And everyone's
an adversary! Any kite in the sky is fair game !
Its been five years that this Desert Kite Festival is held. Kite makers flaunt
kites sized as big as 1.5km of various shapes and Designs. Some carrying messages,
some depicting social issues, some as caricatures of politicians. Its been
the most popular event recently, even tourists can take part in various kite
flying competitions. The colours that flaunt in the blue sky mesmerises the
viewers.