My second day in Ahmedabad fell on the festival of Uttarayan – the International Kite Festival. The festival marks the day that winter turns to summer and the kites fly to greet the sun. It is an important harvest day in India and is celebrated by a two-day public holiday in the state of Gujurat. Retailers prepare string with die and glass fibres to be purchased by kite fliers for months in advance. The aim is to fly your kite high in the sky and cut down other kites, the winner being the last in the sky at the end of the day. Make sure your fingers are wrapped in bandages though, or your hands may get torn to shreds! Fireworks and lanterns mark the arrival of evening – magic is in the air.