...and Kite Kighting

After seeing flocks of pigeons commanding the skies in Agra, we saw flocks of kites in Jaipur. Those that have read "The Kite Runner" will likely appreciate this post even more. We arrived in Jaipur shortly after the beginning of उत्तरायन (Uttarayana) which is the period of the year when the sun moves northward in the sky. It is celebrated by in Rajasthan by flying and fighting kites. This first picture shows several kites flying in the sky.

The goal, of course, is to cut other kites out of the sky. The lines that are used are coated in glass powder that allows them to slice other lines if they are pulled just right.

Of course, there are dangers involved. Most of the kite flying is done from the roof. If one is attentatively pulling and releasing one's line, there is a definite chance of falling. There is also concern of birds and other animals being harmed by the abrasive lines.

Our close encounter with kite fighting came on the rooftop of our hotel. Shortly before we left, we were enjoying some time on yet another rooftop restaurant. It would seem that a kite-fighter downwind from us lost and their kite drifted our way before getting tangled on the railing that can be seen to the left of Dave.

Naturally, we took hold of the kite and let out as much line as possible. It did not take long before another kite approached and started making threatening motions in our direction. In about 5 seconds, our line went limp and our kite started floating away. So our first attempt at kite-fighting was utterly unsuccessful. Should the opportunity arise again, we're relatively sure that we could last for 10 seconds.

Dave and Beth