Colourful kites with creative designs to rule the sky

Ranchi, Jan. 4: Want to fly high? Head to Deoghar where many kite-flyers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Fiji and Mauritius are waiting to prove their merit.

Makar Sankranti Mahotsav is set to take place in the temple town on January 13 and 14 on the occasion of the harvest festival — Makar Sankranti.

The festival is celebrated on January 14 every year.

Organised by the state tourism department in association with the Centre, the festival will be held at Shilpi Gram and Nandan Pahar in Deoghar.

With kite lovers coming together with their collection of kites in various colours, sizes and shapes, the event would be a visual treat for the participants as well as the visitors.

More so this year, as a colour code has been introduced. The participants would be made to stand on small hills with a particular dress code. Those seated in the audience can enjoy the kites — in various shapes and colours — battle for survival.

Some selected kites will also be put on display for the visitors.

The expenses for the festival will be Rs 9.2 lakh and both the Union government as well as the state tourism department would share the cost.

The kite flying competition will also see national-level enthusiasts from Ahmedabad teach visitors a few tricks of the trade.

Manish Ranjan, the deputy commissioner of Deoghar, told The Telegraph that they have made all the necessary arrangements to host the festival.

“We will also conduct guided tours for the visitors,” Ranjan said.

The deputy commissioner said the administration would also invite the members of the district sports associations to take part in the competition, as it is nothing less than a sport.

One can also purchase local artefacts at the Gram Shree Mela, which will be organised at the festival.

A puppet show and a cultural programme by artistes from the Sangeet Natak Akademi in New Delhi are also on the cards. A dog show and a healthy baby contest are being planned, too.

However, there’s going to be a lot more on offer at the festival than these. One can take a break from the competition and enjoy mouth-watering dishes — be it south Indian, Mexican, continental or Gujarati.

Deepak Singh, the director of state tourism department, said the kite-flying competition is organised to celebrate the Makar Sankranti festival.

“Deoghar has been selected for the festival as it is considered to be one of the most popular religious spots in the world. Even foreign tourists come here because of Deoghar’s religious importance,” Singh added.

Attractive cash prizes will also be on offer for the winners of the event.