“Let’s go fly a kite… Up to the highest height!… Let’s go fly a kite and send it soaring…”  Ring the famous lyrics from the Mary Poppins movie that always comes to mind when International Kite Day arrives!

14 January is International Kite Day, a day to celebrate the joy that kites bring to people of all ages. Whether you’re an experienced kite flyer or just getting started, this is the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy some flying time with friends and family. Don’t have your own kite? No worries! We’re going to help you make your own!

History of International Kite Day

Before we jump into the DIY kite making fun, let’s take a quick look at the history of this special day.

The day originated in India in the Gujarat state and celebrates the beginning of summer and their harvest season. The kite festival called Uttarayan attracts people from all over the world to watch and join in on the fun. The people from Gujarat prepare and make their kites months before the huge event. It has become such a big event that it has become a public holiday in India, stretching over two days. During this occasion, thousands of colourful kites brighten up the sky!

Make your own kite

Launching your kite into the air is such a thrilling experience, and knowing you made it yourself makes the experience even better!

1. DIY kite with left-over wrapping paper

You’ll be outside flying your kite in less than 20 minutes with this easy tutorial. Get some of that left-over Christmas wrapping paper in the cupboard, clear sticky tape, a needle, string, scissors, a 40cm stick, and a 60cm stick. Watch this easy tutorial here.

2. A4 paper kite

If you can fold a paper plane, you’ll be able to make this easy paper kite. With this kite, you only need paper, string, and a pair of scissors. How easy is that? Follow the steps here.

Why not upsize your kite? You can use any size of paper you want.

• A0: 841 x 1188 mm
• A1: 594 x 841 mm
• A2: 420 x 594 mm
• A3: 297 x 420 mm
• A4: 210 x 297 mm

3. Plastic bag kite

Admit it! We all have a bag full of plastic bags. Now you can actually make use of some of them.

You’ll need a plastic bag, scissors, a thin, light bendable stick, and string for this one.

The video tutorial is easy to follow. Watch it here.

You can decorate your kite any way you like! The sky is the limit… Just remember not to make it too heavy otherwise, you won’t be able to get it in the air. Remember that you can find all your supplies at your nearest PNA store.

We hope you enjoyed making your very own kite as much as we did and that you’re ready to celebrate this exciting aerial tradition! This is the perfect activity for parents and children to spend quality time together outdoors without digital devices being a distraction.

So, grab your kite, find a nice spot outdoors, and prepare for some soaring fun and don’t forget to share the experience with us on our social platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

#InternationalKiteDay