Kite flying in Sri Lanka I saw the sky full of kites is there a kite season and culture and can I join in

Local so the kite flying picture it is a joyful part of life here Is it a big thing YES kite flying (sarungal) is a much loved popular pastime especially the seaside and open spaces fill with kites it is a happy social activity for families and children and enthusiasts a lovely sight of colourful kites dancing over the sea and parks The SEASON and the wind the KEY thing kite flying needs WIND and the prime kite season is during the WINDY months which here means the SOUTHWEST MONSOON period (roughly May to August) when the steady monsoon winds sweep the southwest coast so right NOW in JUNE is actually a GREAT kite flying time the monsoon winds are blowing perfect for kites (this is exactly why you saw the sky full of kites the season is on) the breezy conditions of these months are ideal so your timing is wonderful The culture and tradition it is a long loved folk pastime (with big colourful kites of all shapes simple diamond kites elaborate large ones box kites and creative designs) it is social and festive groups gather on the beaches and open grounds to fly there is real skill and craft (kite makers the big custom kites) and a community spirit to it (especially on breezy evenings and weekends) The best spots GALLE FACE GREEN in Colombo THE iconic spot a big seafront promenade where kite sellers and flyers gather and the sky fills with kites (you can buy a kite right there from the vendors and fly it a quintessential Colombo experience the Galle Face threads) the BEACHES generally (the open windy seafronts) other open grounds and parks the windy coast in season Can you buy one and join in ABSOLUTELY kite SELLERS are common at Galle Face and the popular spots (cheap colourful kites) buy one and join in it is welcoming and fun (the vendors and locals will happily help you get it up) flying a kite at Galle Face at sunset with the sea breeze is a magical cheap joyful experience Festivals there are kite enthusiasts and occasional kite events and gatherings (and the informal mass flying on breezy days is a spectacle in itself) ask locally for any organised kite festival during your stay So yes kite flying (sarungal) is a joyful popular pastime and NOW in June is a PRIME season (the southwest monsoon winds are perfect which is why the sky was full of kites) head to GALLE FACE GREEN in Colombo (the iconic spot buy a colourful kite from the vendors and fly it) or any windy beach buy a cheap kite join right in and enjoy this magical breezy slice of local life at its seasonal best