Kite lovers from 31 countries gather for 'Uttarayan' fest

Enthusiasts from over 30 countries are set to dot the skies of Ahmedabad with colourful kites as part of a global kite festival where handicrafts manufactured by underprivileged women is an added attraction.
Gujarat Transport Corporation Chairman Kamlesh Patel today inaugurated crafts bazaar, theme pavilion and food stalls at the Sabarmati Riverfront hosting the 28th edition of the festival, which would be formally inaugurated by state Governor O P Kohli and Chief Minister Anandiben Patel tomorrow.
Kite flyers from 31 countries would be participating in the week-long festival which is being held across Gujarat.
"We will celebrate the 28th International Kite Festival from tomorrow," Chairman, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, Kamlesh Patel said.

The state's Women Development Corporation has provided a platform to women artisans this year to display their craft skills besides an opportunity to earn livelihood at the festival.
"With the view to provide a platform for women artisans and an opportunity to sustain their livelihood,this year the Women Development Corporation have given the stalls for putting up the handicrafts manufactured by underprivileged women," Patel said.
He also said that the number of stalls have gone up this time.
The festival also known as 'Uttarayan' is also being celebrated at several places in the state including Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Porbandar, Modhera and Khambhat.