In Gujarat, India, the 14th January marks the start of Uttarayan - the day when the sun starts to travel northwards, marking the decline of winter. In Ahmedabad the occasion is celebrated when over 4 million people fly kites from the rooftops of the city.
Earlier in the week I had travelled with over 90 international kite flyers from over 30 countries to fly kites for 3 days by the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad. The event was officially opened by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, at which 7500 children performed a stunning display of synchronised dancing.
Later in the week we travelled to the vast salt plain of the White Rann of Kutch and to Mandvi Beach to fly kites. Every day the sun shone relentlessly under a stunning blue sky. The winds were light and steady - perfect for flying kites.
What sticks in my memory the most? Maybe the wonderful people we met who wanted to talk to us and hold our kite lines; the colourful saris; the enchanting children with huge smiles on their faces; the white knuckle rides around the city of Ahmedabad in a tuktuk; the amazing enthusiasm and friendliness of everyone we met.
