Shah feels making kites out of khadi paper will give his creations the signature style of Amdavad and showcase his city before the world.
It's a thrilling sight - the sky dotted with kites in all kinds of shapes and colours. While kites have always held a special place in Amdavadis' hearts, here is a man who has made a profession out of kite making.
Ujal Shah, 38, says that 365 days in a year, he creates, designs and focuses only on kites.
"But till date I have not sold my kites as I do it for myself," he says.
Come August 4 and Shah is all set to take part in the International Kite Festival in Indonesia. He will also participate in festivals in four other countries.
What sets this kite maker apart from others is the fact that he has made all his kites with Gandhiji's and India's very own indigenous khadi paper.
Shah feels making kites out of khadi paper will give his creations the signature style of Amdavad and showcase his city before the world.
Apart from Indonesia he has also been invited to four other countries - China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Brunei.
"Southeast Asia has a very interesting tradition of kites not seen in the rest of the world, except for a few countries. And this tradition has supported the art of kite making on the global stage," says Shah.
Shah is a graduate from CN College of Fine Arts but has learnt the nuances of making a kite from his father who was also fond of this colourful high-flying creation.
He continues to pursue his passion till today and holds a key position as the chairman of the Kite Foundation in Ahmedabad.
"I never really planned any other career for myself," says the kite maker who specialises in making miniature kites. For the festivals he has made close to 500 kites including fighter kites, very small kites.
For the first time Shah has made Japanese style kites which he will reveal in Malaysia.
Along with team members, he plans to launch 101 kites on a single dori.
"I represent India at the kite flying festivals abroad and also showcase my kite collection at exhibitions in various countries," says the talented kite maker. Earlier this year, Shah took part in the Rose Festival held in Chandigarh where he garnered much appreciation for his work.
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