Kai Po Che: A Halo of Kites Dot the Sky in Ahmedabad

Hundreds of kites of all shapes and sizes soar into the air during the International Kite-Flying Festival.

Kites of all sizes and shapes were seen at the International Kite-Flying Festival in Ahmedabad. (Photo: AP screengrab)

Hundreds of kites of all shapes and sizes soared to the air during the two-day International Kite Festival, organised by Gujarat’s tourism department.

(Photo: AP screengrab)

Organisers say kite flyers from 29 countries are taking part in the festival, which is also being celebrated in several other parts of Gujarat state. Almost 100 international kite flyers and about 80 Indians have registered for the festival, according to organisers.

(Photo: AP screengrab)

The festival, known locally as Uttarayan, marks the time of year when winter starts to turn to summer, when the warm breezes are ideal for kite flying. Children and whole families often gather on rooftops to fly their kites together.

(Photo: AP screengrab)

The kite market in Ahmedabad is buzzing with buyers and vendors selling the latest designs. Traditionally, people take part in competitions to try to bring down each others’ kites.

The 28th edition of the International Kite Festival took place on 10 and 11 January 2016.