Why a town in north Gujarat flies kites on Dashera,not Uttarayan

Siddhpur is the only town in Gujarat that celebrates Kite flying day on Dussehra and not on 14th January – Uttarayan.

This custom is followed, in obeisance to Solanki king, Siddhraj Jaisinh who died on Uttarayan day(14th January). Siddhpur is named after Siddhraj Jaisinh (1093-1143) and was the capital of the Solanki dynasty in the 12th century which was later destroyed by Muslim attacks in 13th century. The city is brain child of Siddhraj Jaisinh and was abode of jewels from across the country.

“People of Siddhpur still revere him and according to legend, he died on the day of Uttarayan. So, people decided to keep off kiteflying on that day. And they decided they would fly kites on Dusshera instead. Donations are also given on the same day,” said Pankaj Shukla, a Siddhpur-based Brahmin and Hindu historian. Even in Patan few kites seen on Uttarayan. Here also, Siddhraj is revered and the elderly believe strongly about following this tradition.

“We go out for tours on January 14. But the kite enthusiasts, do their kite purchases on that day to stock for Dusshera, when prices are really high. But the newer generation kids are seen breaking this tradition and flying kites on Uttarayan,” says a student in Siddhpur.