International Kite Day is a holiday that originated in the northwestern state of Gujarat, India but is widely celebrated in not only the city of Ahmedabad but all across the world now. This has historically been a day that celebrates the harvest of winter crops in India and in anticipation of the upcoming spring and summer months.

During this day people make and fly kites, and this is especially true in India where the festival symbolizes the awakening of the gods from their winter slumber. And all over Ahmedabad, people fly kites from their roofs, as well as during the main riverfront festival.

The History Of International Kite Day

Although the origins of kite-making have been lost to history, many historians believe that people have been making and flying kites for at least 2,000 years. Kites more than likely originated in China and there’s even a Chinese legend that says that the first kite was invented after a farmer tied his hat with a string to keep it from blowing away but instead ended up inadvertently the first kite.

In India, it appears that kite flying has only been around for about 500-600 years. Kite Day was first invented in Gujarat, India, and people started not only making their own kites but also flying them.

This holiday would be accompanied by a kite festival, which is known as Uttarayan in Hindu. This festival celebrates the day when winter ends and summer begins, as well as the upcoming harvest season. Each of the kites used is symbolic of the spirits of the gods awakening from their winter slumber.

Up until very recently, kite flying was an activity that was practiced by only the wealthy. Fortunately, the festival has been observed by an increasing number of people across various social and economic castes.

People from all across the world visit India to participate in the kite flying festival and it’s not uncommon to see people from Australia, Brazil, Canada, the United States, France, Singapore, and China visiting the festival.

Observing International Kite Day

For International Kite Day, India is the place to be to take part in the kite festival. Of course, since we know a lot of people can’t take part in such activities, they can always throw their own kite festival in their hometown.

Sure, in some places of the world, this day is very cold, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from having a good time with their kite. After all, this is an international event. People can also spread the word about this holiday around the world simply by using the hashtag #InternationalKiteDay. Now, go fly a kite and have some fun!