Bamboo park in Delhi turns into kite-flying ground for Patang Utsav 2024

Delhi's first bamboo-themed park Baansera in Sarai Kale Khan hosted Delhi Development Authority's Patang Utsav over the weekend. To celebrate Makar Sankranti, many flocked to the Baansera park with family and friends. The green precinct of the park, situated on the banks of river Yamuna, was decorated with colourful balloons and flags, making it a go-to event for Jan 13-14 weekend. Apart from flying kites of different shapes and sizes, people- both young and old - took part in kite making workshop as well. The festival also has a patang bazaar ad the plant bazaar attracted many visitors too.

Cultural performances at the site were also a big hit. Bhangra, garba, ghoomar and bihu performances set the festive mood just right. The festival, organised by DDA, saw over 30 professional kite-artists from Rajasthan, Sikkim, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Lakshadweep and Gujarat exhibiting their art. Kites of various shapes, sizes and colours, including tricolour, train and eagle shapes were flown during the festival.

For culture enthusiasts, a kite-themed pavilion, displaying the history of kites, was also there. Artists from Karnataka, Rajasthan, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh displayed handicrafts. Dr Janardhan Rao Havanje from Udipi, who has revived Kaavi art, displayed the architectural artform at Patang Utsav and said, " It was a good experience to display kaavi art at the kite festival and it was even more encouraging to meet people from across the country, who appreciated our effort to bring back the artform."

The festival was inaugurated by Lt Governor of Delhi VK Saxena on January 13 and Minister of State for External Affairs & Culture Meenakshi Lekhi. Besides MPs, foreign envoys and diplomats from countries like Seychelles, Mongolia, Mali, Burundi, Bolivia, Niger, Austria, Maldives, Libya and Peru also participated in the festival. The festival was planned as a recreational opportunity for people to visit the fest along with their family and kids to enjoy Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Bihu, Maghi, Uttarayan and Pongal.

Baansera is 100-acre of land that was reduced to a massive construction and demolition waste site barely 200 meters from river Yamuna near the heavily congested and polluted Sarai Kale Khan area in Delhi and transformed into a lush green public space.

Pics: Nishad Alam


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