| Kite flying is an extremely popular sport in China, | | | | escapism for Afghans during the troubled times of |
| India, Japan, Thailand and several other countries. | | | | the war. |
| 'Kite fights' are held in numerous countries, where kite | | | | In India, the festival of Makar Sankranti is involved |
| fighters try to cut competitors' kites down or tear | | | | with flying kites. Celebrated every January 14, you |
| them if possible. Kite fighters pass their strings | | | | can see million of kites all over North India. It is |
| through an amalgam of glue and ground glass | | | | particularly popular in the state of Gujarat, where the |
| powder, making it more potent and liable to cut the | | | | festival is a public holiday. |
| strings of competing kites. This practice can be | | | | The Japan Kite Association organizes a gathering of |
| hazardous, since the strings also have the potency to | | | | kite fliers every year at Uchinada. The ""traditional"" |
| injure people. | | | | festivals here are centered on one geographical area |
| A kite competition is known as "Gudiparan Bazi" in | | | | and one type of kite. This festival, however, attracts |
| Afghanistan. Before the start of the war in the | | | | kites and fliers from all over the country. |
| country, "Gudiparan Bazi" was a hobby for many | | | | The kite-flying event at Weifang, China, attracts |
| Afghans. From the beautiful designs of the kites, | | | | competitors from all over China, and some from the |
| which came in several shapes, to the making of the | | | | rest of the World. This festival witnesses an amazing |
| "tar" (wire), it was a matter of prestige to compete | | | | diversity of handcrafted kites. Numerous international |
| for the title of the best kite fighter in the | | | | competitors are also present. |
| neighborhood. This sport became a means of | | | | |