Guj progressing like high-flying kite, says Modi on Uttarayan

Ahmedabad, Jan 14 (PTI) Gujarat''s progress was touchingnew heights like a kite flying high, Gujarat Chief MinisterNarendra Modi said today, greeting people on the occasion offestival of kites -- Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan.

Upbeat after getting commitment of Rs 20.83 lakh croreof investment during the recently concluded Vibrant GujaratSummit (VGS), Modi termed Makar Sankranti as an importantfestival for Gujarat.

Modi said that VGS held on January 12-13 was the biggestbusiness summit ever organised in the country. "Gujarat isprogressing like a kite flying high in the sky," he said.

"Yesterday, I was with some of the biggest industrialistof the state. Today, I am with underprivileged people of myconstituency," Modi said while visiting Parasmani Society inAmraiwadi area, part of his Assembly constituency, Maninagar.

The Chief Minister flew kite from a roof-top with thelocals for a brief while.

People across the state celebrated the festival of kiteswith great fervour. People were seen on the roof-tops andterraces, flying kites with their kin and friends.

Business establishments, government offices and shopsremained closed in most parts of the state. Though the weatherwas chilly, breeze was favourable for kite flying.

One could also hear popular Bollywood numbers beingplayed on high powered music system. .

Recent chartbusters ''Sheila Ki Jawani'' and ''Munni Badnam Hui'' were favourites.

With festival comes the special food. On Uttarayan,people here feast on ''Undhyu'', a preparation of mixedvegetables and freshly ground spices, alongwith puri, and''jalebies'' for dessert.

Besides, ''Chiki'' made from jaggery and sesame seeds orpeanuts or rice flakes or chick peas is something theGujaratis like to binge on.

Another popular snack on this occasion is the ''LilvaKachori'' -- a deep fried kachori with filling of minced greentuvar, chilly and select spices.