FunderfulWorld

Our long-planned trip to Odisha or Orissa, finally materialized in January 2011. The weather was perfect, the destination was charming. During the taxi ride from Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneshwar, to our hotel, we remained rivetted to the windows. In this city, arts and crafts emporia abound, beautiful sculptures adorn lawns and small gardens, vibrant paintings cover walls, bridges, flyovers. A veritable artist’s haven. The next day, we were ready to set out and explore the state.

The colourful kite festival, delicious jalebis & ‘undhiyu’, vibrant bandhani, bustling markets, the grandeur of Akshardham… – this year, we celebrated Makar Sankranti in Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar. Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) in Gujarat is a delightful experience! The markets are abuzz with activity, flooded with kites of various hues and sizes. Families gather on terraces – some ready for intense competition, others enjoying a leisurely experience. The winds are perfect, the music is loud, the skies are dotted with high-flying kites, the mood is festive: a vibrant celebration, indeed.