3.2 The Kite Festival - Std 8 - Kumarbharati

Author: [Textbook passage, Anonymous Informational Piece]

Genre: Descriptive / Informational Prose

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 8

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The Kite Festival describes the colourful tradition of kite flying in India, especially in Gujarat during Makar Sankranti and Uttarayan. Kite flying has an ancient history, believed to have inspired inventions like the aeroplane. While old kites were made of paper and bamboo, modern ones include fibreglass and motorized versions. In Gujarat, kite flying is celebrated with great enthusiasm on 13th or 14th January. The skies are filled with kites from dawn till dusk as people compete to cut one another’s strings. The highlight is the International Kite Festival at Ahmedabad, attracting kite flyers from around the world who display exotic kites in shapes like snakes and eagles. Another attraction is the Patang Bazar, open 24 hours for a week, where people shop for kites and reels. The day ends with illuminated tukals (lantern-kites) lighting up the night sky. The lesson highlights joy, unity, and cultural richness through this celebration.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson emphasizes the cultural importance of the Kite Festival as a celebration of joy, unity, and tradition. It shows how a simple sport connects people of all ages and backgrounds, symbolizing festivity and togetherness.

Word Meanings

Character Sketches

(Not applicable – informational prose, but highlights key groups.)

Kite Flyers

• Enthusiastic participants of all ages.

• Compete to cut each other’s kites.

• Represent tradition and celebration.

  
  

Craftsmen

• Skilled in kite-making and thread preparation.

• Demonstrate traditional methods at the Patang Bazar.

• Keep cultural skills alive through generations.

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “People love to fly kites.”

   Infinitive: to fly – shows purpose.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Active: Vendors sold kites in the bazar.

   Passive: Kites were sold in the bazar by vendors.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “You must be careful while using the thread.”

   Must shows necessity and obligation.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: The boy said, “I am flying a kite.”Indirect: The boy said that he was flying a kite.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: People celebrated Uttarayan with enthusiasm.Question: How did people celebrate Uttarayan?

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What excites you most about the Kite Festival?

   The excitement of the Kite Festival lies in the colourful skies filled with countless kites. The joy of competing with others, the shouts of victory, and the festive atmosphere make it unforgettable. The unity and happiness shared by people add to the thrill.

   
   

2. Why do you think kite flying unites people?Kite flying unites people because it brings together friends, families, and even strangers on rooftops and terraces. The shared laughter and competition create bonds beyond age or status. The festival spirit connects everyone through joy and tradition.

   
   

3. Would you like to participate in the International Kite Festival? Why?I would love to participate in the International Kite Festival because it is a global celebration of creativity and skill. Watching exotic kites from different countries would be fascinating. Taking part would give a sense of pride and cultural connection.

   
   

4. What message do you learn from the Patang Bazar tradition?The Patang Bazar tradition teaches that culture and festivity are not just about the main event but also about preparation. It shows how communities come alive when people gather, shop, and share excitement. It highlights the unity of celebration.

   
   

5. How do illuminated tukals add charm to the festival?Illuminated tukals add charm by creating a magical atmosphere at night. Their glowing presence against the dark sky looks like stars competing with real ones. They show how beauty and creativity make the festival memorable and enchanting.

True or False (5)

1. Fibreglass kites were inspired by paper kites. → True

   
   

2. In Gujarat, kite flying is part of Makar Sankranti celebrations. → True

   
   

3. The International Kite Festival is held in Mumbai every year. → False (It is held in Ahmedabad.)

   
   

4. Patang Bazar is open day and night for one whole week. → True

   
   

5. Tukals are ordinary kites flown during daytime. → False (They are illuminated box-kites flown at night.)

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. Why is kite flying considered an important tradition in India?

   Kite flying is considered important because it has a long history linked to mythology and invention. It is celebrated during festivals like Makar Sankranti and Basant. The activity brings people together and reflects cultural heritage.

   
   

2. How is the Kite Festival in Gujarat celebrated?The Kite Festival in Gujarat is celebrated on 13th or 14th January during Makar Sankranti. People fly kites from morning till evening, competing to cut each other’s strings. Special food and music add joy, making it a community celebration.

   
   

3. What makes the International Kite Festival special?The International Kite Festival is special because it attracts participants from across the world. Exotic kites in various shapes fill the sky, watched by amazed spectators. It showcases both traditional and modern skills of kite flying.

   
   

4. What is unique about the Patang Bazar in Ahmedabad?The Patang Bazar is unique because it is open 24 hours a day for a whole week before the festival. People crowd the streets at midnight to buy kites and reels. It proves the city’s obsession and love for kites.

   
   

5. What role do craftsmen play in the festival?Craftsmen play a vital role by making traditional kites and preparing special threads. They use glue and glass mixtures to sharpen lines. Their work keeps alive the age-old skills and ensures the festival’s success.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

The Kite Festival is a lively and colourful description of a popular Indian tradition. The lesson highlights how kite flying has evolved yet retained its cultural essence. The International Kite Festival and Patang Bazar add grandeur to the event, showing unity, creativity, and enthusiasm. The imagery of skies filled with exotic kites and illuminated tukals creates wonder and joy. The passage is memorable because it presents festivity not just as competition but as togetherness and cultural pride. It inspires us to value traditions and celebrate with harmony.

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