International kite festival takes off with flying colours in Ahmedabad.
The first International kite festival was celebrated in 1989.
The festival has helped all those who are in the business of making kites and other related products, said Ms. Patel
To witness the true spirit of this festival, the best places to go to are the Sardar Patel Stadium or the Ahmedabad Police Stadium.
The inaugural function, held at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, was attended by several dignitaries, including Governor O.P. Kohli and Minister of State for Tourism Jayesh Radadiya.
Besides the main kite festival, the State Tourism Department has also simultaneously organised the festival in other cities, including Botad, Porbandar, Mandvi, Surendranagar, Khambhat and Modhera.
\"Apart from them, 55 participants from eight different States and 28 from Gujarat will also showcase their talent here,†said Minister of State for Tourism Jayesh Radadiya.
98 kite flyers and enthusiasts from 29 different countries have come here to take part in this festival.
the kite-making business in Gujarat has grown from Rs 100 crore to Rs 700 crore within last 10 years, she added.
Ms. Patel claimed that the festival has boosted the kite-making industry in Gujarat as well as attracted tourists in the State over the years.
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on Sunday inaugurated the 28th edition of International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad.
About 8 to 10 million people participate in the event taking place in Gujarat.
Participants from the U.S., the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Netherlands, Singapore, Turkey, Vietnam, Poland, Argentina and Brazil are taking part in this event
However with time it became popular among the common people and now is celebrated every year.
As per the Indian history, this festival began as a royal sport, where kings use to display their power and skill.
According to the Hindu astromony, The International Kite Festival also popularly known as Uttarayan marks the beginning of the summer and the end of the winter.
The first International kite festival was celebrated in 1989.