Shah, Rupani celebrate Uttarayan by flying kites

Shah flew kite on the terrace of a house in Vadaj area, while Rupani did the same from the rooftop of the house of former BJP MLA Bhushan Bhatt in Khadia locality.

Shah was accompanied by Gujarat BJP president Jitu Vaghani, state youth wing president Rutvij Patel and dozens of party workers.

This was the third year after becoming Chief Minister that Rupani flew kite in Khadia, the area visited by then CM Narendra Modi to fly kite on the occasion of Uttarayan.

Talking to reporters, Rupani said the wind was blowing "in favour of BJP" for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Using kite analogy, he said the thread of 11 crore BJP workers will propel the BJP to another victory in Lok Sabha elections.

"The wind is in favour of BJP, thread (that holds the kite) gets strength from workers as we have world's biggest organisation with 11 crore party members.

"The kite flying at the highest point is that of BJP and the party under Modi's leadership will realise the slogan of `Abki Baar Phir Se Modi Sarkar' (once again Modi government) by winning the Lok Sabha polls," Rupani said.

The Gujarat CM later went to his hometown Rajkot to celebrate the festival with his family members.

Leaders from different political parties, MLAs and MPs also celebrated the popular festival by flying kites with their family members.

Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti convener Hardik Patel flew kite with MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani in Ahmedabad.

People assembled in large numbers on the rooftops to fly kites and celebrate the festival with their family members.

Makar Sankranti marks the end of the winter solstice month and beginning of longer days.