Rajasthan Tourism Organised Kite Festival on ‘Makar Sankranti’

Jaipur: Celebrating the auspicious occasion of ‘Makar Sankranti’ today, Rajasthan Tourism Department organized a ‘Kite Festival’ at the Jal Mahal premise. Kites skipping in the sky along with artists dancing on premise of the Jal Mahal enthralled the city dwellers as well as the foreign tourists.
The festivity was further heightened with the presence of French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenin as the chief guest. On this occasion, the French Ambassador flew two kites with great enthusiasm. 

Celebrating the kite festival, Emmanuel Lenin said, “I am highly influenced by the art culture of Rajasthan and Jaipur in particular. I am delighted to participate in this auspicious kite festival along with lot many people enjoying with their families which is a pleasure to look and feel”.

Domestic and foreign tourists were welcomed in the traditional way by applying ‘Tilak’ amidst the waves of the famous Rajasthani Folk Song 'Kesariya Balam Aavo Ni Padharo Mahare Desh'. Tourists present at the Jal Mahal premises enjoyed the picturesque view with colorful kites floating in the sky. Foreign tourists in particular relished ‘Sesame Laddoos’ (Til ke Laddu) and ‘Lentil Dumplings’ along with a sip of hot tea and flew kites with sheer delight. 

Public Presentations: The folk performances  enthralled all on the premises of Jal Mahal. Renowned folk artist Pepe Khan and his group presented Rajasthani Folk Song 'Kesariya Balam Aavo Ni Padharo Mahare Desh' followed by ‘Kachi Ghodi dance’ presented by artist from the famous Bassi village of Chittorgarh.  ‘Peacock dance’ was also performed by the artists of Bharatpur and ‘Dangi Sisters’ of Kishangarh gave enticing presentations. Artists of Bandikui also presented many aspects of polymorphic art. Artists of Alwar played ‘Bhapang’ with the audience joining them in rhythm. Kalbelia artists danced on the song ‘Kalyo Kood Padyo Mele’. Music by Nagaur artists and ‘Tera Tali’ dance by Pali artists won tremendous applause from the audience. All these performances were appreciated by all the both domestic and foreign tourists.

Kites were the center of attraction: 
The Canadian forty feet long kite made of Nylon ‘Trilobite Kite’  was the center of attraction. The most photogenic kite at the kite festival was the 8 feet long kite with which visitors and tourist were seen taking their selfies.