Gujarat : NRGs Drive Terrace Tourism Boom in Ahmedabad’s Pol Areas During Uttarayan

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — It is that time of the year when the residents in about 360 Pols of Ahmedabad–historic settlement in the walled city located on the Eastern banks of the Sabarmati river within a fortified compound–eagerly awaits the arrival of non-resident Gujaratis (NRGs) ahead of the Uttarayan festival. It is because the NRGs rent the terraces on charges ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs.1.5 lakh for celebrating the kite flying festival with their near and dear ones. 

The fun of Uttarayan in Ahmedabad in Gujarat is something different. In Pol areas, preparations begin  a month or two before Uttarayan. For the last few years, the trend of ‘terrace tourism’ has started. This year too, bookings for terraces in Khadiya and Raipur have been in full swing. People including NRIs have rented terraces for rent ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh.

For the last few years, different packages have been provided on the Uttarayan festival along with renting terraces. In which, along with the terrace, breakfast, lunch, dinner and a dance party are organized on the terrace in the evening for kite lovers. 

People living in Pol area of ​​Ahmedabad city who have moved to other areas now also come to Pol area on Uttarayan. Apart from this, NRIs also come to Ahmedabad in large numbers to fly kites in Raipur and Khadiya Pol in Ahmedabad. To celebrate Uttarayan and Vasi Uttarayan, the roofs of buildings in Pol area are rented out.

Ajay Modi of Wada Pol said, “We maintain the terrace throughout the year. Expenses like municipal tax and light bill are paid from the rent we get from letting out the terraces. It is a pleasure to welcome our guest who like to fly kites and enjoy on the Uttrayan day”

“This year, a couple from Punjab is coming to our terrace. Many NRIs also come here for Uttarayan. The fare starts from 10,000 and goes up to 1,50,000. Many families also provide food packages, which include dishes like Undhiyu-Puri, Jalebi, Sesame Chiki and Bhajiya. Other amenities include mineral water, chairs to sit and a separate room for elders or children to rest” said Modi.

According to him, this terrace tourism benefits not only the homeowners but also the small traders in the vicinity. Snack shops, kite-string vendors and women running home industries (who make bajri vada or other snacks) also get an additional income of 2,000 to 5,000 during these two days.

Jigneshbhai Rami, who lives in Pol and rents out a Dhaba on Uttarayan, said that Uttarayan is a very big festival for Ahmedabadis. The fun that Ahmedabadis have on January 14 and January 15 is hardly seen anywhere else. A new trend has started in the last 4-5 years. People who have moved outside Ahmedabad or who are foreigners come to Ahmedabad specifically to enjoy Uttarayan. They rent a Dhaba for the whole day, so that they can enjoy this festival with their family and friends.

“In addition, if breakfast, lunch and evening snack (Hi-tea) are also included, then a charge of 1500 to 2000 rupees is charged per person. The view from 4 to 6:30 pm is worth seeing. There are amazing fireworks that are not seen even during Diwali and the entire sky is filled with kites. The atmosphere becomes very pleasant as the old mansions and the roofs of Pol are connected to each other.

Gitaben Rana said, “My husband and I are both handicapped. My daughter also cannot speak or hear. So we incur a lot of expenses. We are middle class people, so it is very difficult for us to survive. If an NRI comes to the terrace or comes from a distant area, we rent the terrace to them.”