Major Festivals

Ahmedabad is a land of fairs and festivities. Amdavadis celebrate all festivals with their friends of all communities from lodhi to holi to diwali and New year. The two major festivals that they celebrate are Uttarayan and Navrataras.

Uttarayan
Uttarayan popularly know as makar sankranti in other states which falls on 14th January is celebrated by all families throught Gujarat. It is celebrated to observe the end of winter season and give a warm welcome to the summer season. It is during this festive occasion that, Ahmedabad turns into a hub of life. The entire city is abuzz with activities and feasts.
"Kaapyo Chhey" - This is what you could hear on 14th January which means I have cut the kite of the other people. The preparartion of this day start one day before by tying thread to the kite. All the family meber sit togethe ron the night before to plan for the next day. You will find kites in variuos colours and sizes accross all shops. Also the thread poularly called manjha in local language are also of variuos types. Kite flying start during the day and till late evenings people fly kites by driving lamps (Tukkal) attached to kites in the sky. It looks beautiful. Its lots of fun since people gather together on terraces and fly kites and dance to the loud music together.
Please do not miss out ! no festival is complete without food for amdavadis. People generally dont cook food at home and there are number of Food corners selling Undhiya, Puri, Jalebi and Fafda which is a delicacy and one must eat.
The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd organises an international kite flying competition and demonstration in Ahmedabad, inviting expert kitetists from Australia, Japan and the world over for shows.

Navratri Festival
Devoted to Goddess Shakti, the Navratri festival in Ahmedabad is celebrated with gaiety and fervor. The main highlight of the festivity of nine nights is the folk dance of Gujarat called Garba. Each day of the fiesta begins with the performance of aarti. The entire state of Ahmedabad gets energized with the thought of celebrating the Navratri festival. In many public places garba is organised. Almost all societies organise garba withing their building premises. The colourful attire with detailed kathiawadi or mirror work in lovely bright colours worn by the localities is mesmerising. The local garba folk songs wldnt spare you from tapping.

Will try to take pictures of both the festival in times to come....