UTTARAYAN (MAKAR SAKRANTI), GUJARAT

Once every year on the occasion of Makar Sankrati, an ancient Hindu festival that heralds the arrival of spring, vibrantly coloured kites soar high, and spirits even higher, at Gujarat’s famous kite festival. Held on January 14, Uttarayan—which literally refers to the northern movement of the sun, and subsequently marks the end of winter—is celebrated with much excitement and fanfare in Ahmedabad, where the skies are filled with thousands of patangs or kites, tied to multi-hued strings ( manjas), and the exultant cries of “kai po che” (I have cut your kite). Engage in a fierce battle of wills with your kite-flying opponents as you try to bring down their kites. Honour your victory (or eat away your woes) with delicious food made for the occasion, such as undhiyu (mixed vegetables cooked in an earthen pot) til ladoo (made with sesame seeds) and chikki (made with peanuts and jaggery). End the day with a surreal view of floating lanterns ( tukkals) lighting up the night sky.

GETTING THERE: Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is well-linked to all major cities in India.

STAY: Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad oozes luxury and comfort, and has the added benefit of being close to Sabarmati Riverfront (4 km), where Uttarayan is celebrated ( starts from ` 8,000/USD106; hyatt.com).