Ravi Trivedi
ANAHEIM, CA: On January 14th, 2024, the skies above Twila Reid Park were painted with a vibrant fabric of paper kites, as the community celebrated the much-anticipated Uttarayan Kite Flying Festival. This family-friendly event, hosted by Gujaratis of North America including prominent community figures Pramod Mistry, Adhir Shah, and Dr. Varun Gandhi along with a dedicated team of volunteers, drew an enthusiastic crowd of 2,500 people.
From 11 am to 4 pm, the park buzzed with excitement as both children and adults engaged in the age-old tradition of kite flying, symbolizing the cultural heritage and communal unity.
The event offered more than just kite flying. Attendees enjoyed a variety of delicious cuisine provided by Mohit and Jeel, adding a taste of authenticity to the day’s celebrations. Long queues were seen at kite stalls, with people eager to partake in the high-flying action.
Additionally, “Dancing with Kites,” a new children’s book on Uttarayan by Dr. Varun Gandhi captivated the young audience with its vivid storytelling.
Besides the fun and frolic, the festival also hosted several vendors, including OC Registrar of Voters, Roshan Shah Realty and South Asian Network, adding a community-focused dimension to the festivities.
As kites danced in the sky, the Uttarayan festival echoed the spirit of unity, tradition and joy, making it a memorable day for everyone who attended.
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