Kite flying: a tradition that never grows old

…as thousands takes to parks, seawalls to raise kites

By Ashraf Dabie and Indrawattie Natram

After weeks of anticipation and preparation, thousands of enthusiasts took to the well-known spots across the country to participate in the Easter tradition of kite flying on Monday.

Open spaces across the coastline of Georgetown were decorated with the eye-catching works of art floating gracefully in the air, even as scores of well-decked-out patrons commingled in parks and along the seawall.

The sky was adorned with an array of colours as uniquely crafted kites were raised in celebration of Easter. While some participated in kite flying as a religious tribute to the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, others were merely enjoying a tradition that has, over the years, become uniquely Guyanese. The numbers of kite-flying enthusiasts at parks and open spaces across Georgetown remained constant, and even increased this year, as persons travelled distances to fly their kites.

At the National Park, young children were in evidence eagerly assisting in the raising and flying of kites as favourable winds swept the decorated frames into the air. The older folks shared in the excitement as they battled with kites in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours, some clearly works of ingenuity.

As open spaces became congested, many contested to keep their kites in the air, thus the atmosphere became engulfed with the rhythmic buzzing of kites dancing in the skies.

However, the occasion extended beyond flying of kites. Easter presented the perfect opportunity for families, friends and various social groups to assemble at the parks, national grounds and seawalls to share in the fun, laughter, meals and drinks as they socialised, bonded, and even established new relationships.

Moreover, this occasion offered entrepreneurial ventures wherein vendors, photographers and various entertainment service providers capitalized on the large gatherings in these public spaces. One religious dance group even utilized this occasion to raise funds to offset their upcoming initiatives.

Stealing the spotlight on Monday was a group of friends carrying a gigantic box kite through the park. The group transported the kite in the back of a canter coming all the way from Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara. Speaking with <<Guyana Times>>, the young men explained that the kite was a collective effort of the entire group, and that it took them just about three days to put together the structure, which extends to about five feet at the base and beyond ten feet long. One member of the group even indicated that fashioning these unorthodox creations is an Easter tradition of the friends, and each year they continue to take on an even bigger challenge.

The group successfully managed to launch this gigantic structure into the air, after which they moved on to another location to showcase their work of creativity.

The grand kite flying showcase in Georgetown on Monday was a true representation of the tradition of Easter, which continues to transcend the various sub-cultures in Guyana. This aspect of culture is reminiscent of Christian influences in the Guyanese society, but also presents a reminder of the diversity that exists, as yet another tradition is celebrated by the masses throughout the country.

While some continued their tradition of kite flying and picnicking this year, others were introduced to a new excitement for the first time, one which will surely have a lasting impression.

Essequibo

The skies of the Cinderalla county of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) were quickly transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours as hundreds of persons raised their kites at different locations throughout the Coast, dotting the skies. Families converged at various beaches, ball fields, seawall spots and open places to celebrate the festive season of Easter.

It was evident that most families celebrated the joyous occasion in panic style, spreading mats on the sand and putting out their eatables, beers and cocktails. Guyana Times visited several villages, including Charity, Golden Fleece, Abram Zuil, Anna Regina and Taymonth Manor, and the atmosphere at each village was excitement and joy.

Persons clad in brightly coloured outfits were seen happily picnicking, flying their kites, and generally enjoying themselves in an atmosphere of bonhomie. At Charity, the market area was packed with persons walking and shopping kites. The usual Monday Charity market was busier than usual, with persons doing last-minute Easter shopping. The clubs at Charity, namely Xenon and Purple Heart, were packed with persons enjoying themselves dancing to various chutney and soca music. Every year these clubs are hot spots for Easter activities, and this year was no different.

At Anna Regina, many persons constructed Bar-B- Que stalls, maximizing on the season’s opportunities to earn an extra dollar. Sellers were seen from as early as 9:00 am making makeshift tents. Families began visiting the Anna Regina Seawall at about 13:00 hours.

Kites of all colours, sizes and shapes took to the skies at Golden Fleece sea wall as both adults and children joined in the celebrations. Children were competing with each other to see whose kite would fly the highest. Golden Fleece Sea wall attracted a very large gathering of kite-flying enthusiasts, and the hype of activities saw many persons from throughout the region converging there.

One kite that stood out at Golden Fleece beach was a 15-footer made by R Ganesh Mining Enterprise. Artistically made and designed, the kite advertised the businessman’s activities as well as Guyana’s diverse culture. Many persons were amazed to see this gigantic kite gracefully floating overhead, and smartphones and cameras clicked constantly as photographs of the kite were taken.

Miner Ganesh said he would be happy to have any other business challenge his kite in size and beauty. He said he would build an even bigger kite next Easter. This kite, he said, was built collectively by Cricket Team RG.

For those who didn’t have kites, Easter presented them an opportunity to visit the beach, socialise and catch up with friends. In the evening, a big ‘Lime’ with several deejays blaring songs from huge music systems was the main celebratory event, as it set the mood for socializing of all sorts.

The Easter holiday is a favourite of many Guyanese. It fosters togetherness, unity and family fun as we celebrate the Resurrection of the Messiah.