Celebrating Nag Panchami in India

India, the land shrouded in mystery and exotic charm… Think India… does the image of snake charmers and mystics come immediately to your mind?  Then the story of Nag Panchami will definitely be of interest to you! A festival celebrated across India on the 5^th day of the moonlit-fortnight in the month of Shravan. According to the Hindu calendar, in 2011 this important festival falls on the 4^th of August. Though celebrated across the country, Southern India, Maharashtra and Bengal are the best places to enjoy the celebrations.

 

While there are many legends behind the festival, a popular one is that of a farmer. It is said that a farmer inadvertently destroyed an anthill that housed young snakes once while ploughing his field. So enraged was the mother snake that on her return she promised to kill the farmer and his family. That night when the farmer slept, she entered the house and bit the farmer and his family. Then remembering the farmer’s eldest daughter lived in the neighboring village with her in laws, she proceeded towards the village.

However, impressed by the girl’s plea, the snake gave the girl some nectar which would bring the famer and his family back to life when sprinkled on them.

 

Another popular myth revolves around the young lord Krishna, it is said that once Krishna was playing with the other cowboys, when the ball they were playing with got entangled in a tree by the Yamuna. The river being home to a terrible snake Kaliya, none of his friends volunteered to get the ball. On climbing the tree, Krishna accidently fell into the river and came across Kaliya the snake. When Krishna caught it by its neck, the snake realized that this was no ordinary boy and pleaded for his life. Krishna allowed it to go after the snake promised not to trouble anyone again. This is also the reason why Krishna is referred to as “Kaliya Mardan”.

 

The snake is also associated with Lord Vishnu, the thousand-headed Shesh Nag symbolizing ‘Eternity’ is the couch Lord Vishnu rests on. Hindus also believe it is on this couch that the Lord reclines between the time of the dissolution of one Universe and creation of another. Hindus believe that the snake is immortal due to the shedding of its skin. Indian mythology also says that the elder brother of Lord Krishna, Balram was the incarnation of Seshnag on earth.

 

Images of Lord Shiva also show a snake around his neck and according to some Nag Panchami celebrated during the month of Shrawan (considered as the month of Lord Shiva in Hindu religion) is a tribute to the snake as his companion.

 

Another reference to snakes in Indian mythology is made in the Puranas, with historians claiming that the Naagas were Kings of various kingdoms which were worshipped as Gods.

Buddhism and Jainism also credit the snake as a creature with divine qualities, as ancient texts claim a cobra snake saved the life of Buddha and the Jain Muni Parshwanath.

 

However a more logical explanation offered is during the monsoons (Shravan), snakes come out of their flooded holes, or are found floating  on rivers. In earlier days, the fear of snakes due to the high mortality rate led them to be elevated to this divine status.

 

As snakes are believed to like milk, on Nag Panchami milk is often poured into holes near the anthills or near Nag Temples by devotees; in Bengal Mansa (the Queen of Snakes) is worshipped on this day.

Different parts of India follow different traditions, while in some places images of snakes are drawn on wooden boards, with red sandalwood, in Punjab a snake is made of dough and paraded around the villages with a lot of festivities, after which it is buried, while in states like Maharashtra, snakes are offered kumkum, haldi, milk and flowers as offering.

 

Though it is believed that snake worship was started by the Indo-Aryans, evidence proves otherwise dating this worship to as early as 3000 B.C. As snakes play a significant part of Indian mythology and religion, on this day temples dedicated to snakes (Sarpa) are visited by devotees who make special offerings of flowers, milk and haldi. In many areas across India, food in the form of rice is offered and cobras are given a ceremonious bath in milk. Drinking of the milk by a snake is considered highly auspicious.

 

Even in Indian literature and architecture, the importance of snakes in India culture is not ignored, dating back centuries, The Ajanta caves that date back to the 2^nd century BC have carvings of snake worship. While some say that this festival was initially observed to worship the forces of Mother Nature, over the years it changed to honor God’s ferocious creation – the snakes.

Social Significance of the Festival of Lohri!

Right amid the freezing weather, with temperatures going down every moment, dense fog settled outside and everything going on for stagnancy, one can still feel a flagrant wave of activity underlying everything in the north of India. People in places like Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, seems busy preparing for the long awaited festival of Lohri.  On this occasion of the harvest festival, Lohri, people celebrate the harvest of the winter crop, Rabi, unwind and relax amidst the traditional folk songs and dances of the region, engage in praying and wishing their close ones! This year, Lohri has been celebrated on 13^th of January, 2011.

Origin and History of Lohri

The origin of the bonfire festival of Lohri dates back to the story of Dulla Bhatti. A Muslim robber, Dulla Bhat resided in Punjab in the reign of Mughal Emperor, Akbar. Apart from robbing the rich people, he also rescued those Hindu girls, who were taken to be sold out forcibly at the slave market in the Middle East. Not only this, Dulla Bhatti also arranged for the marriage of these girls to Hindu boys. Reasonably, although a crook, he however, became the hero of all the Punjabis. So the Lohri songs are meant to express gratefulness to Dulla Bhatti.

Since Lohri is pronounced in rural Punjab as “Lohi”, so according to some, it is believed that Lohri has got its name from Loi who was the wife of Sant Kabir. Others say that Lohri derives its meaning from the word ‘loh’ that is tawa of a thick iron sheet, used for making chapattis during community feasts. Still others say that Lohri and Holika were sisters. While Holika perished in the fire, Lohri survived. Eating of rorhi (jaggery) and til (sesame seeds) on the day of Lohri is though to be essential.  According to some, the words til and rorhi got merged and became tilorhi that eventually over the time got shortened into Lohri.

This festival marks the beginning of the month of Magh (January as per the Gregorian calendar) and the end of winter months that is the final day of Paush.  During this time, the sun also tends to change its path or course. The worship of Fire and Sun is associated with the festival. Although Lohri happens to be the festival of the Punjabis, exclusively, yet it is observed in different parts of India and in different communities by different names. The Lohri in north India corresponds to Makar Sankranti in Bengal, Pongal in the state of Tamil Nadu, Tai Pongal in Kerala and Magha Bihu in Assam.

By mid January, boys in small groups visit houses and ring the doorbells along with the chants of Lohri songs associated with Dulla Bhatti. In return, the boys receive peanuts, crystal sugar, popcorn, sesame seeds (til) or gur and money, by the people. It is considered inauspicious to turn the boys back empty-handed.

The Legends of Lohri

Like all other festivals in India, there are some interesting legends linked to this historical festival of Lohri. Among these, the most significant happens to be the legend of Dullah Bhatti. Lohri is considered to be a very happy and pious occasion for the newly wedded couples and also for the new born babies.

• The Legend of Dullah Bhatti

The festival of Lohri is deeply associated with the legend of Dulla Bhatti. Most of the Lohri songs are based on him. It is believed by the people that Dullah Bhatti, the Muslim Robber, once rescued a girl from the cruel abductors and then adopted her. He also made all the necessary arrangement for the marriage of the girl, just the way he would do for his own daughter. This tale comes as a message to the youth, to come forward and protect the sisters or daughters and must punish them who try to dishonor the girls. Son on the day of Lohri, songs depicting Dulla Bhatti’s valor and heroism are sung all across Punjab.

• The Legend of the Sun God

Lohri marks the end of the winter season and is therefore celebrated on the final day of the month of Pans. It is believed that a sacred mantra was formulated the forefathers that would protect them from cold. This mantra was believed to be capable of invoking the Sun God to send the people on earth with so much heat that the cold won’t be able to affect them. So in thanks-giving to the Lord Surya or the Sun God, people chanted the mantra by circling round a fire on the final day of Pans. The Lohri fire thus serves as homage to the Sun God.

Just few days prior the festival of Lohri, the village maidens gather and visit every household for collecting cow-dung cake. After a veritable pile of cow-dung cake has been collected, the whole pile is deposited in one of the houses. This is a ritual performed by all the maidens before Lohri, with a valid reason for observing it.

In ancient times, people lit fire to keep the flesh-eating animals away, thereby protecting themselves and their habitations. Each contributed to the fire. The young kids gathered firewood from the nearby jungle. This is the reason why even today, people engage in burning cow-dung cakes, while the young kids go around gathering the cakes. The Lohri bonfire is both a method to protect oneself and also symbolizes the worship of fire.

Celebrations of Lohri Festival

The preparations for the beautiful festival of Lohri start much before the festival. The people in the villages start by gathering branches, twigs, and cow dung while those residing in the towns and cities, collect logs of wood for the bonfire to happen on Lohri. This is the best time to shower love and blessings to the newly married couples and new born babies, by the families, friends and close ones. Seasonal goodies such as dry fruits, patti, revri, peanuts and sugarcane happens to be an essential feature of the Lohri celebrations. While dancing and chanting around the bonfire, people throw the goodies in the fire while. A pudding made of spinach, lentils in sugarcane juice and mustard leaf is made by the women, on this day. It is believed that, this dish purifies and cleanses the body and the blood from inside.

Ceremonies during Lohri include making an image of the Lohri goddess using gobar (cattle dung), which is then decorated and kindled with fire below it. Praises are also chanted. A bonfire is also lighted during the sunset; sesame seeds, rewaries, gur and sugar-candy are tossed in that fire; people sit around the bonfire, chant, sing and dance as well. The dying embers of the bonfire are taken back home by the people. In the village homes of the Punjabis the fire is kept lighted all through out the day and night, by using cow-dung cakes.

On the auspicious occasion of Lohri, people take the opportunity to thank God for the provision, his creation and for offering a bountiful farming or harvest to the people. Men and women are seen keeping up the true spirit of their amazing Punjabi culture, thereby performing Giddha, Bhangra and other Punjabi dances. Children visit every household and sings in order to collect lohri that is eatables and money. Prasad made of til, rayveri, peanuts, puffed rice, gajak, popcorn, and sweets are also distributed. This is believed to be a symbol of prayer to Agni for bountiful harvest, abundant crops, happiness and prosperity.

As lohri comes to an end, people finish off the day by taking pleasure in a traditional feast comprising of makki di roti, sarson da saag and a dessert called rau di kheer (made of rice and sugarcane juice). A large quantity of lip-smacking food is prepared on this day. Some of the special recipes of the occasion are Ganee Ki Kheer, Dry Fruit Chikki, Coconut Chikki, Pinnie, Gajak, Shengdana Chikki etc.

Thus the elation at a bountiful and abundant harvest serves as the reason for celebrating the festival of Lohri. A popular festival in Punjab, Lohri is the time of fairs as well. Several fairs are held at different places. Everyone is greeted with good wishes on the occasion of Lohri.

The day following the festival of Lohri is known as ‘Maghi’. It signifies the commencing of the month of Magh and end of the winters. The Hindus believe that the Maghi day is an auspicious day to take a sacred dip in the rivers, thereby giving away charity. Sweet dishes are prepared on this day. Lohri besides communicating the message of thanksgiving also celebrates the spirit of togetherness, oneness and brotherhood.

Social Significance of the Festival of Lohri!

The Lohri festival bears immense social significance and is observed as a day for imparting social love to everyone. It is the festival to relieve the people from their daily routine, tensions and stress and bring a smile to everyone’s face. Peoples from all caste and creed come together on this day and engage in merry making, leaving behind all the grievances and differences. Every year, the festival of Lohri serves in bridging down the social gap existing among people. People come out of their place, meet people, exchange gifts, distribute sweets and wish each other.

Further, since Lohri happens to be the harvest festival and fertility and harvest bear a great importance for an agrarian nation like India, so Lohri is an important festival from this perspective as well. With Punjab being an agricultural state predominantly, it is no wonder that Lohri is among the significant and major festivals of the region. The festival therefore is symbolic of copious harvest and good crops. It instills within people, a sense of sensitivity for the nature that is the environment and the culture. It upholds the cultural legacy of Punjab. The time is ideal and auspicious for undertaking new ventures or marriage purposes. It is the opportunity for a social integration of the country, thereby bringing out the amity, unity and harmony underlying India and its people.

 

 

 

Let’s Celebrate an Environment Friendly Holi This Year!

Happy days are back again! Time has come when you can again yowl and scream your heart out and say ‘Holi Hai’ with complete sanction. It’s the time when you are allowed to play pranks on your relatives and buddies and for a change, also on your enemies. This year, Holi is all set to roll in on 20^th March, 2011. A festival popular for bringing out the very best of the Indians, Holi is one of the fun-filled festivals in India. So what are you waiting for? Fill in the water guns, join your friends and family and get going! Touch ‘Hearts’ lovingly and bring a smile on every face that you come to meet!

Apart from the joviality, joy and excitement, the festival of Holi also commemorates the season of spring in India. Holi is celebrated during the full moon, in the Phalgun month that corresponds with the month of February end or the beginning of March as per the Gregorian calendar. The festival also glorifies the harvest season. The festivals of colors, also known as ‘Vasant Mahotsava’ or ‘Kama Mahotsava’, is one occasion that brings with it immense joy, play, fun, music, mirth, dance and definitely bright, beautiful colors!

History of Holi

Originally called ‘Holika, Holi happens to be an ancient festival celebrated in India. The festival finds detailed mentions in the ancient religious works of Jaimini like Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras. It is believed by the Historians that the Aryans also celebrated mostly in the Eastern region of India.

It is believed that Holi was celebrated even before Christ was born, though over the years, the festival of Holi has assumed a different meaning. In the ancient times, the festival was observed by the married women who prayed for the well-being of their husbands and families. On this day, Raka, the full moon was also observed. Apart from finding mentions in the Ouranas and the Vedas like the Bhavishya Purana and the Narad Purana, mentions of Holi can be found in stone inscriptions, sculptures, temples and rocks.

Legends related to Holi

In different parts of India, different legends are associated with the festival of colors. In Orissa and Bengal, Holi Purnima is observed as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The popular and most prominent legend related to Holi, is that of the demon king Hiranyakashyap.

Hiranyakashyap wanted that every one in his kingdom should worship him. His son Prahlad, however, became a devotee of Lord Narayana.  Hiranyakashyap therefore ordered Holika to take Prahlad in her lap and enter the fire. Holika whop had got a boon that fire wont cause any damage to her, was not aware of the fact that the boon worked only when Holika enetered the fire all alone. So when Holika entered the fire with Prahlad, she got burnt for her sins while Prahlad was saved by God because of his devotion. The festival of Holi thus, celebrates the triumph of the good over the evil.

The Legend of Lord Krishna is also linked to Holi where Krishna played with Radha and the Gopis, along with colors, which later on became a tradition. Some of the other legends associated with this festival are that of the legend of Shiva and Kaamadeva, Ogress Dhundhi and Pootana. The common factor underlying each of the legends is the fact that each legend depicted the victory of the good over the evil.

Rituals associated with Holi

People on this day gather wood and other materials for the bonfire, popularly known as the ‘Holika’. The eve of Holi sees the taking place of Holika Dahan. Effigy of Holika, the sinful sister of the demon King Hiranyakashyap is positioned in the wood and then burnt. This ritual symbolizes the triumph of the good over the evil and of course the victory of a true devotee. People take residue from the bonfire in order to rekindle the domestic fires in their houses. On the day of Holi, several celebrations fill the air. On this day, known as Dhuleti, from children to adults, everyone engages in playing with colors. The ritual of playing with colors is more rampant in the Northern part of India. In regions like Vrindavan and Mathura, the Holi celebrations are unmatched for! In the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat also Holi is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and happiness. In Bengal it is celebrated in one of the dignified ways. At the Vishwa Bharti University, Holi is celebrated as the ‘Basant Utsav’ or the ‘Spring Festival’. While the campus is decorated with beautiful rangolis, the students engage in merry making amidst the songs of Rabindranath Tagore. In other regions of the state of Bengal, Holi is observed as Dol Yatra whereby idols of Krishna and Radha are worshipped.

For the Sikhs, Holi is the festival of displaying their military prowess and physical strength. In the north east of India, the Manipuris celebrate Holi in a very colourful manner for about 6 continuous days. The Manipuri dance, ‘Thabal Chongba’, serves as the highlight of the festival.

People on the occasion of Holi, take great delight in spraying water colors on others. Singing and tapping the foot to the popular wood Holi numbers is a common practice. Various types of delicacies such as mathri, malpuas, gujiya etc are made while people are seen relishing these with utmost people.

One of the most interesting features on this occasion is the traditional practice of having a drink called thandai along with bhang. The drink surely enhances the spirit of the festival.

While people throw gulal and abeer on this day the atmosphere takes on a colorful look. The chants of “Holi hai” fill in your ear and mind! The festival brings the gloomy winter to an end and marks the beginning of the blooming Spring.

Let’s Celebrate an Environment Friendly Holi

Preferably, the cheerful festival of Holi is intended to celebrate the coming of the Spring whereas the colors that are used for playing Holi are supposed to reflect the many hues of the spring season. However, unfortunately, in the present time the festival of Holi like many other festivals is yet another major source for environmental pollution and degradation. To de-pollute the environment and make the festival of Holi sync with the nature, many environmental and social organizations are coming up with several natural ways for the celebration of Holi. We as individuals should therefore also involve in celebrating an environment friendly Holi, this year. We can make our own colors or buy the natural colors available. We can also go for playing a dry Holi, just with abeer and gulal in the present scenario, where there are acute water problems in almost every corner of India. It is indeed a relief to notice that these days people are becoming more aware about the environment and therefore adopting less wasteful means of celebrating Holi.

Significance of Holi

Holi in India goes beyond the barriers of creed, caste, and religion to paint down the entire atmosphere with vibrant and colorful faces. There are several aspects associated with the festival of Holi that makes it hold a very significant place in our lives. Ranging from religious to socio-cultural significance, we have every reason to celebrate and cherish the festival of Holi.

The festival brings us very close to our mythology and religion, since it is the celebration of the many legends associoated with itHoli gets us close to our religion and our mythology as it is essentially the celebration of various legends associated with the festival. The celebration of these legends makes the people aware of the fact that no matter what, the ultimate victory remains with the good and not the evil. So people should always follow the path of good and the truth.  This is extremely significant these days for it refrain people from taking up the evil path. Holi also brings in the society and its people together, thereby strengthening India’s secular fabric. The best part of this festival is that, on this day you could turn even your enemies to your friends. The spirit of brotherhood and bonhomie prevails everywhere, on this day. People gather with their friends and family, exchange gifts, take delight in sweets and other delicacies and thus strengthen the bonds of emotions and revitalize their relationships.

 

Wish You All a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

“Ring out the old, ring in the new,

Ring, happy bells, across the snow:

The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true”

It will be no exaggeration to say that New Year in India has almost unofficially become the national festival. The excitement and desire to celebrate the coming of a brand new year can be witnessed in every corner of India, like the other parts in the world! Parties, prayers, feasts, New Year wishes and fetes, enthusiasm, happiness and many more characterize the occasion.

The eve of New Year is the time to gather for partying with friends and family, and get engaged into the last minute happenings and fun. People of all generation, from young to old, all are seen enjoying in their own special ways! The discotheques, amusement parks and night clubs and of course the cinema halls and restaurants are crowded with numerous people. Some people also organize their own private parties in order to avoid the crowded places. Leaving behind all the worries and tensions people solely engage in fun to bid farewell to the passing year and offer a grand welcome to a bountiful New Year!

Professional singers, dancers and famous Bollywood stars and celebrities also participate in the New Year celebrations. On the eve of the New Year, they apart from enjoying themselves also cheer up and entertain people with their song and dance number.  Good music and Good food are the highlights of the New Year celebrations.  Bonfires are lit and crackers are also burnt on this occasion. The fun and joy spreads to people from all sections of the society.

Varied yet unique New Year celebrations take place in the different cities in India. In the big and the metro cities New Year celebrations are definitely grand and very lavish while in comparatively small cities or towns people re seen celebrating but on a relatively low-key. In India majority of the New Year celebrations can be seen in big cities like Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai etc. The celebrations usually commence from the dusk and continue throughout the night.

While some find their means of enjoying and having fun in parties, some others prefer to pay down a visit to the temples and begin their New Year by offering prayers to God. And still others choose to stay back at hoe and spend some company time with their loved ones.

As said by Hamilton Wright Mabie-

“New Year’s Eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights.”

The best part of the New Year Celebrations that perhaps we all would agree to is the exchange of gifts and wishes! People on this occasion exchanges flowers, greeting cards, gifts, etc with their near and dear ones. This for sure creates a feeling of care and togetherness among the people. New Year resolutions and promises are also taken up by many.

The New Year Eve, as we all know is celebrated on 31^st of December according to the Gregorian calendar. It is the final and last day of the Gregorian Year, just before the commencing of a New Year. Julius Caesar, the Roman Emperor, invented in 46 B.C, the solar Julian calendar, whereby he assigned January 1st as the New Year Day.

New Year Decorations

New Year is the occasion to engage in parties, gorge over good food, drink away to prosperity and of course wish for good luck in the New Year. It is the time for shows and concerts, crackers and fireworks, gifts and flowers, lights and decorations, grand parties and sumptuous feasts, prayers and wishes for each other and New Year decorations for sure! Here are some tips on how you can go bout for the New Year Decorations and surprise your dear ones:

• Hang flower garlands on the front door, railings, balconies and mantle

• Select a suitable theme and plan your party and menu in accordance with the theme
• You can prepare fresh, beautiful and unique flower arrangements on floors, table etc.

• Party hats and other assortments from the Christmas can be amazingly used to add sparkles to your New Year party

• Patriotic themes using small flags, different colors already present in the flag and other decorations can also be made

• Silver or gold star decoration consisting of gorgeous gift packs are often used on the occasion of the New Year

• Wind chimes, scented candles ribbons, balloons, streamers, colored snowflakes, bells and confetti decorations can also be arranged for

New Year Wishes and Greetings

It’s New Year! And its time to wish our near and also not-so-near ones all the happiness, health, prosperity, good luck and fortune in the coming year and definitely many more years to come. Let us start by wishing you first- Wish You All a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

On the occasion of the New Year, people wish each other through greeting cards, e-cards, musical cards, 3D cards, mails, sms or over the phone. Corporates take this occasion as an opportunity to present their clients and employees with gifts and good wishes. This also acts as an image building strategy for them!

So what are you waiting for? Wish people with flowers, gifts, cards or simply with words of love, care and good wishes; but don’t forget to wish!

“We meet today

To thank Thee for the era done,

And Thee for the opening one”

Wish You All a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

 

 

International Kite Festival!

States in India

 

Busy Mom says “go fly the kite” to her over excited son to keep him busy and occupied! And you might be thinking how the boy reacted; the little kid picked up his kite and ran into the filed happily with a million dollar smile in his face!

Kite flying, since the very invention of the kites, has gone a long way! Motorized and fiberglass kites came up to give competition to the paper kites. The kite flying tradition in India has however, not changed. Whether it is the Makar Sankranti or the Basant, people from all background and ages, every year engage in flying kites. Many try their hands out in this very skilled form of art that is flying the colorful ‘patangs’. Be it from the open fields and gardens or the rooftops and the terraces in cities and towns and cities, one thing that remains common on this day is the flying of gorgeous kites in the sky.

In the state of Gujarat, Kite Flying Day is celebrated on the day of Makar Sankranti. It is generally celebrated on 13^th or 14^th of January. Almost all the cities in Gujarat can be seen participating in the kite flying festival. In the city of Ahmedabad, the International Kite Festival takes place on 14^th of January. It corresponds with the Uttarayan festival or the Makar Sankranti. The festival serves as a major crowd puller from not only within the country but all across the globe. You can also have a view of the numerous designer kites that would never fail to lure you!

History and Legends

Flying the beautiful, colorful kites up in the air, has fascinated men since immemorial. The imagination and true spirit of human beings ultimately witnessed the invention of kites. One can have an understanding of the history of the kites and the varied celebrations in the Kite Museum located in Ahmedabad.

• 200 BC: A kite was flown by Huein Tsang during the night to frighten the army of China’s Liu Pang of Han dynasty.

• 100 BC to 500 AD: Army generals used the kites for sending signals and measuring distances of the enemy camps.

• 930 AD: We find the first mention of the word “Shiroshi”. In the Japanese literature ‘Shi’ means paper while ‘Roshi’ depicts a Chinese bird.

• 960 to 1126 AD: Flying the kites came to gain popularity in China, as a recreational activity. People celebrated with kites on the ninth day of the 9^th month. It was a day that signified the banishment of the wrong doings and evil by way of flying kites

• 1542 AD: We find the first mention of the word ‘ Patang’ in the Indian literature. The word was also used in ‘Madhumalti’ by Manzan. Here flying of kite was associated by the poet to the loved ones.

• 1752 AD: A kite was lofted by Benjamin Franklin in order to prove the fact that the electric matter that constitutes lightning was of the same kind that was used for generating electricity.

• 1870 AD: Lawrence Hargrave, an Australian inventor designed some box-kites the stability of which inspired many to make aero planes driven by power.

• 1896 AD: Alexander Graham Bell made ‘ tetra’ through the combination of the lightweight sticks. He flew one 256 cell ‘Frost King” kite and improvised it to have about 1300 cells. It was further extended to 3393 cells. During this period, several experiments were also carried out by Samuel Cody with man who carried diplane gliders.

• 1902 AD: Wright brothers got success in getting airborne. Thus the age of aviation commences.

In India, in the year 1989, people saw the birth of a new festival, the International Kite Festival. On this occasion people from all across the globe were invited to participate in kite flying and enjoy the colorful displays of kites and also get tips on the various skills for successful kite flying. The 1st International Kite Festival was inaugurated on 13^th of January. On this festival, which continued for 3 days, a special Patang Nagar was made while the ‘city of kites’ opened up the doors for the display of bazaars having numerous kites and reels of diverse types.

Rituals

Special mixtures are made out ground glass and of glue, which are then dried and rolled to make rears called firkees. At night illuminated box kites in a series of strung, are launched in the sky. These are known as tukals that adds splendor to the sky. Traditional delicacies are made and eaten in open space such as fields, parks or gardens. Devotees are seen gathering at the temples where they distribute alms.

Celebrations

Kite flying commences during the dawn and goes on throughout the whole day till the night. Neighbors, friends and even the strangers battle each other in cutting down the kites and attain supremacy. And when someone is successful in cutting the line of the rival, everyone is seen cheering while roars of applauds tear apart the sky. Different varieties of colorful kites can be seen flying high up in the sky.

People from different background and ages gather on the rooftops and terraces and involve in the kite flying ceremony. Different types of traditional and mouthwatering delicacies are prepared on this occasion. The International Kite Festival is organized by the Gujarat State Tourism Corporation every year. The venue for the event is either the Sardar Patel Stadium or the Police Stadium in the city of Ahmedabad. Local champions and kite flyers from all across the world are attracted to this International Kite Festival. In the night illuminated kites called tukals are seen soaring up in the sky and giving competition to the twinkling stars.

One of the must visit places in the region, during the kite festival happens to be the Patang Bazaar in Ahmedabad that is open 24 hours every day at the time of Makar Sankranti. A visit to the Patang Bazaar, during the Kite festival acts as an evidence to the fact that people in the city goes crazy on this occasion. Being truly obsessed by patangs, the crowd enjoys on the streets throughout the night.

Regions like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi etc. also celebrate and enjoy the kite festival with immense fervor and joy. The Kite Festival in Rajasthan bears a special significance, as the state is thronged by numerous tourists who come down to participate in this beautiful festival and watch out for the colorful state at its best!

Places to Visit

The best place that is a must visit for you if you want to witness and be a part of the celebration of the Kite Festival is Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat. Although almost all the states in North India, yet Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat are few regions in India that puts on a completely different look on the eve of the Kite Festival and people participate and celebrate with great pomp and enthusiasm.