RIOT OF COLOURS IN THE SKY

Foreign nationals tried their hands at kite flying during the first Pune Kite Festival organized by the Pune Expat Club at Amanora Park Town

Pune witnessed diverse hues as foreign nationals from across the globe displayed their kite flying skills on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Saturday. Organized by the Pune Expat Club (PEC), the first annual Pune Kite Festival at Amanora Park Town saw hundreds of expatriates participating in the kite-flying tradition, an integral part of our Makar Sankranti festival, as kites of different colors, shapes and designs filled the skies.

Maile Sarasola from Uruguay who moved to Pune a week ago to volunteer with an NGO, said, “Coming to this festival was an eye opener for me as I had no clue that there are so many foreigners Living in Pune. This was a good opportunity for me to meet other expats living here and hear their stories and experiences in the city.” Marlowe Miller an American Interning with Accenture said, “It’s really interesting to know the story behind this festival and I am very happy to have come here and become a part of this country’s rich culture.”

Miller, who couldn’t wait to fly her kite, took pictures and mailed them to her friends and relatives back home. The Temple of Environment’s lush green lawn was teeming with participants, who thronged the stalls of traditional kite makers where kite kits were being distributed. Apart from the complimentary standard kites, fancy and innovative kites were also available at a nominal price. Five days ago, Pune Expat Club sent an expert kite maker to the Mercedes Benz International School {MBIS) to train the teachers in the basics of kite making. The teachers then shared the tips with their students along with the history and details of Makar Sankranti, Michael Thompson, director, of MBIS, said. “We have a mix of expats as well as students who have grown up abroad. Hence, all of them are quite keen on learning about India and its traditions and customs. They are excited to make their kites and fly them here.”

Around 40 students and teachers along with their families gathered at the open-air lawn where food stalls, a balloon shooting stall, a bangle-making counter, a stall selling traditional Indian art, tribal artifacts, and antiques were set up. UK national Sarah Pointon attended the festival with her four children who were thrilled about running around in the open with their bright kites especially because it was something they had never tried before.