Let the kite-flying spirit soar

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What better day to visit the Delhi International Kite Festival (DIKF) than today? For it’s Makar Sankranti — the harvest festival associated with kite-flying.

Kite-fliers from 11 countries — Germany, USA, Korea, China, Thailand, Ukraine, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Netherlands and Malaysia — will display their unique kites and flying skills at the three-day gala that marks the fourth edition of DIKF.

“We want the festival to be remembered for the joy of kite-flying and not any competitive spirit,” says Puja Joshi, general manager, Delhi Tourism.

Ron Bohart, from USA, a debutant at the festival, says: “It’s always fun to fly for an audience that’s appreciative of what we do on the kite field.”

Known as the Kite Couple, Ron and Baew Spaulding, from Thailand/ USA, are also excited about their first trip to Delhi. “We are always proud to fly our kites in India. Our kites include a 30-metre octopus, portrait kites (appliqué graphics of us), and a 12metre Chinese Trilobite,” says Ron Spaulding. Expect wonderful kites from Delhi-6, too. “We will take 50-60 kites sized between 4 to 10 feet. Along with the gliders and snakesshaped kites, we will also have a trail kite created in the colours of the National Flag,” says Jamaluddin. Those underconfidentc of flying a kite,k but interested in the art can head to this year’s special themeth stall. Visitors will be enlightened with the history of th the age-old art. You can also witness kites — fromf one to 70 squ square inches, and ma made of materials suchsuc as tissue paper, elas elastic paper, bamboo and even cloth.