<P> Although the idea of flying kites to celebrate Uttrayan was introduced by Muslims from Persia, today regardless of your background or beliefs, you are welcome to fly kites with everyone else in Gujarat in January . Most visitors arrive from around India, from Gujarat itself or another state . In major cities of Gujarat, kite flying starts as early as 5 am and goes until late night where approximately 8 - 10 million people participate in the whole festival . </P> <P> However, many visitors are international who come from around the world, such as Japan, Italy, UK, Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, the USA, Malaysia, Singapore, France, China, and many more to take part in the celebration . </P> <P> The kite festival has been strongly influenced by its international participants, in the recent events, for instance: </P> <Ul> <Li> Malaysia brought wau - balang kites </Li> <Li> Indonesia brought llayang - llayanghave </Li> <Li> USA brought giant banner kites </Li> <Li> Japan brought Rokkaku fighting kites </Li> <Li> Italy brought Italian sculptural kites </Li> <Li> Chinese brought Flying Dragon kites </Li> <Li> For other kites, see list of Kite types </Li> </Ul>

Which country launched a year long festival of india in 2010