What if a sky could make you feel like a kid again? This is just what the Gujarat Kite Festival does. As soon as you enter this event, you see a sky full of thousands of colourful kites, as though the entire sky was brought to life. The atmosphere, the songs, and the cheerful crowd invite you to be a part of the world of happiness. Whether you are a traveller, a photographer, or a person just in love with festivals, it is such a lively event that makes you feel like you are a part of something bigger. Here, in this blog, you will get to know all about the festival, including its history and must-have experiences. Make your arrangement and decide where to visit and capture the best moments out of the Gujarat Kite Festival in your heart forever.
Important Information About The Gujarat Kite Festival
Before you decide to attend the festival, it is always good to know what the festival is all about before you go. Gujarat Kite Festival, also known as International Kite Festival in Gujarat Uttarayan, is an annual event, celebrated on January 14, Makar Sankranti. This festival is among the largest cultural events in the state and invites the representatives of more than 40 countries. The festival takes place primarily in Ahmedabad, though kites can be found in the skies of the whole of Gujarat.
You will encounter gigantic kites in the form of dragons, superheroes, birds, lanterns, etc. The streets are filled with food stands, music, and amusing kite running. You can choose to enjoy the local atmosphere or to become a participant among the professional kite performers, but the experience stays in your memory long after the event, making it one of the best things to do in Gujarat.
Major event: Gujarat International Kite Festival.
Gujarat Kite Festival Dates: 14th of January (main day), and events throughout the week.
Gujarat Kite Festival 2026 Venue: Mainly at the Riverfront, Sabarmati, Ahmedabad. Other locations include Vadodara, Surat, Jamnagar, Mehsana, Anand, Rajkot, Gandhinagar, and Bhavnagar.
Gujarat Kite Festival 2026 Tickets: Most of the events are free; the only events that can be paid are a few exhibitions or shows.
Visitors: More than 1 million visitors annually.
History of The Gujarat Kite Festival
The history of the Gujarat Kite festival is long, colourful, and many centuries old. Kite flying is not only a hobby in Gujarat. People used to think that playing with a kite on a sunny day in January was beneficial because they could get Vitamin D after spending the long winter. This concept was associated with the concept of Uttarayan, when the sun begins to move to the north. As the seasons grew warmer and the harvest season approached, the period began to be associated with positivity, new beginnings, and the joy of the changing rhythm of nature, and therefore, the Gujarat Makar Sankranti kite festival became such a significant cultural affair.
However, with time, kite flying became a competition during a celebration. The local communities started trying colours, shapes and designs on paper and came out with a nicely designed kite and a good handle. What had started as street celebrations in the neighbourhoods ended up as a statewide celebration. The first official International Kite Festival took place in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 1989, and had international guests. Flyers had introduced huge artistic kites, international methods, and artistic forms that made the festival known in the world. Nowadays, the festival is an expression of the colourful spirit of Gujarat as tradition, creativity, and a happy celebration are united under one sky.
Reasons To Attend the Gujarat Kite Festival
If you’re still confused as to whether you should attend the Gujarat Kite Festival or not, then you must consider these reasons that will make your heart happy and your soul live childhood again.
1. Sky Full of Coloured International Kites
Among the most remarkable reasons to visit the Gujarat Kite Festival is that you can observe the great variety of kites from around the world in the sky. You will find giant kites in the shape of astronauts, pandas, whales, superheroes and even giant dragons. These kites are flown by professional flyers and foreign teams that have spent months of effort on them. It seems like magic to see them go flying around the sky, as though they are performing an art exhibition in the air. All people, regardless of their age, will be pleased and thrilled.
2. True Festival Spirit and Local Culture
The kite festival in Gujarat is not about kites; it is a complete cultural festival. The streets are full of music, local desserts like tilgul and undhiyu, and friendly competitions between the families, friends, and neighbours. You can also observe local traditions, traditional clothes and the merry atmosphere of Uttarayan. The atmosphere is warm, vivacious, and alive. It is among the most fun and colourful ways to know about the culture of Gujarat.
3. International Kite Exhibitions and Workshops
There are also special kite shows during the festival in which designers from other countries show their own kites. These exhibitions allow you to observe kite production in various locations and learn various tricks. These workshops are best if you enjoy being creative or doing things on your own. You are able to create your kite, experiment with different designs, and meet international artists. It is an opportunity that is hard to come by for both kids and adults.
4. Best Event For A Photographer
The Gujarat Kite Festival is the right place if you are fond of photography. The sky resembles a large canvas of colours, patterns, and movement. The background with the river, the hundreds of flying kites, and the morning light make the absolute frame of beautiful photos. Even the evening performances with lit strands of kites also appear magical. It is one of the events that provides unlimited opportunities to record beautiful scenes, both as a beginner and a professional photographer.
5. A Once in a Lifetime Event
You do not often find a festival in which the energy is as much as it is in the Gujarat Kite Festival. When someone cuts the kite of someone, people scream “Kai Po Che” and kids run all through the streets to catch the falling kites, and people of the entire state celebrate. This sight of families on the roofs, people passing through the river, and world participants who fly their own kites is uniting and thrilling. It is one of those festivals that you will remember for many years and would love to go there again.
Things To Do At The Gujarat Kite Festival
If you think flying a kite is the only thing you can do at the Gujarat Kite Festival, then you’re wrong, as there are many things that you can do. Listed below are the top 5 activities that you can enjoy during the International Kite Festival in Gujarat.
1. Flying Kites at The Sabarmati Riverfront
Sabarmati Riverfront is the key location of the kite flying festival in Gujarat. In this place, you can meet thousands of other people who are playing with kites of different shapes and sizes. It is even more enjoyable because of the open sky, the cool wind, and the enthusiastic crowds. You can either bring your kite or purchase it from a local stand, but the experience to fly it among such a huge crowd is unbeatable.
2. Explore The Kite Markets of Ahmedabad
Before the commencement of the festival, markets such as Raipur Patang Bazaar remain open throughout the night. Coloured kites, special strings, lanterns, and handcrafted designs can be purchased from there. Through these markets, you can have a glimpse of the rich craft culture in Gujarat. The visit is memorable due to the vibrant nature, bargaining, and artistic kites. It is among the most excellent ways of enjoying the festival outside the main event.
3. Savor The local Gujarati Food
The Gujarat Makar Sankranti Kite Festival is an event that involves having delicious food. In the city, some stalls sell local foods, such as undhiyu, jalebi-fafda, khichdi, and ladoos. These foods keep you active and energised as you celebrate the whole day. The eating experience is enjoyable during the festival, because of the smell, taste, and the collective happiness. It is an excellent opportunity to have a taste of the authentic Gujarati food.
4. Attend The Night Kite Event and Cultural Shows
Gujarat has some special night events that are held at special places where the sky is illuminated by bright kites. The kites appear as floating lamps and glow against the skyline. Folk shows, music, and traditional dances are also presented. These events combine arts and culture and fun all under the same sky.
Tips For Attending The Gujarat Kite Festival
Follow these simple tips for enjoying the kite flying festival in Gujarat with even more fun and comfort.
Wear sunscreen and comfortable clothes.
Bring a hat and sunglasses.
Keep a water bottle with you to stay hydrated.
Purchase kites early so as not to wait in lines and avoid shortages.
Arrive early so as to get a nice spot.
Be careful not to have sharp threads.
Charge your phone for capturing a lot of pictures.
How to Reach Gujarat
It is very easy to reach Gujarat through various modes of transport, such as:
By Air: Gujarat is a well-accessible state by air. People who visit the kite festival come to the nearest and the busiest airport, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. A taxi or cab can be hired from the airport to go to the festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront.
By Train: Ahmedabad Junction is a big railway station that has good links with all other parts of India. The station is within 15-20 minutes of distance from the key festival locations.
By Road: Gujarat has good highways that ensure ease of driving. The nearby states can be driven by car, by government or by private buses. Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhuj, and Surat are also connected through fast expressways.
Conclusion
The Gujarat Kite Festival is not just a one-day kite festival. It is a festival of tradition, happiness, and unity. Whilst you see huge international kites, taste local food, visit markets, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the festival, every second is enchanted. The atmosphere is filled with joy, colours, cheers and excitement. If you want to have a trip that is not dull, then this is an ideal event to witness. Get ready to enjoy the festival and collect a lot of memories to cherish forever. Pack your bags and prepare to witness the sky come alive at the Gujarat Kite Festival, which is an experience that you will never forget.
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