International Kite Festival 2025 - Soaring High with Colors and Festivity
Have you ever witnessed the sky transform into a breathtaking sea of vibrant, fluttering kites? If not, then Gujarat, India, is the place to be every January for the International Kite Festival, also known as Uttarayan!
This isn’t just any festival—it’s a grand, eight-day celebration that marks Makar Sankranti, the day when it’s believed that the gods awaken from their long slumber and the gates of heaven open. Among Gujarat’s 200+ festivals, this one stands out as a true spectacle of joy, tradition, and friendly competition.
Imagine standing under a vast sky painted with countless colorful kites soaring high above, their tails dancing in the wind. The energy is electric as kite enthusiasts from all over India—and even across the world—gather to showcase their flying skills. It’s not just about kites; it’s about community, culture, and celebration.
At the heart of the festival, you’ll find thrilling kite-flying battles, where fliers try to cut each other’s strings in an exciting aerial showdown. The streets buzz with lively music, mouthwatering Gujarati delicacies like Undhiyu and Jalebi, and an atmosphere of pure festivity.
Whether you’re a seasoned kite flyer or a curious traveler, the International Kite Festival is an experience like no other. Mark your calendar for mid-January, pack your sunglasses, and get ready to witness the sky come alive in Gujarat!
Read out more about this colourful fest and plan your visit!
The festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti symbolises the journey of the Sun to the northern direction, aka Uttar Disha. This festival is also a sign of the end of winter and the beginning of the summer season, and the Hindu New Year. The first International Kite Festival in Gujarat was organised in 1989, where master kite makers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the USA participated.
The symbolic meaning of this festival is to awaken the Gods and Devas from their deep slumber. Indian history depicts that kite flying has always been a significant part of our culture. Even the royalties used to follow this tradition in the pre-colonial era.
Later in history, the Nawabs of Hindustan found kite flying a really interesting sport. And then soon, the sport started to gain more popularity and began reaching the masses.
Major Attractions of International Kite Festival 2025 in Gujarat
Celebrated every 14th of January; the International Kite Festival attracts many participants and tourists worldwide. The festival is packed with sights, activities, and fun that keep tourists engaged, happy, and joyous. Let us have a look at some of the major attractions of Kite Festival 2025.
1. The Patang Bazaar
Throughout the festival week, the bazaars are decorated with various forms of kites giving ample choices to people. The Patang Baazar remains open 24x7 on all days. And despite the huge crowd and chaos that ensues here, the Patang Bazaar remains a beautiful travel spot for tourists to explore. You would be quite surprised to know that the price of the kites here can range between Rs.5 and Rs.5,000. Interesting, isn't it?
2. The Kite Fighting Competitions
During this festival, people are quite charged to participate in this event, where they try to tear down the string of the opponent’s kites. Generally, small kites that are not particularly stable are used in the combination of aerial combat. And before the kite is ready to fly, the string is coated with a mixture of crushed glass and glue. This combination is known as Manjha.
3. Food Bazaar
International Kite Festival of India is a hub of lip-smacking food stalls that serve various scrumptious options like Muthiya, Dhokla, Khandvi, etc. Then there is Chikki, which are deep-fried spirals of batter soaked in sugary syrup and best served when hot.
4. Glittering Night Sky
As dusk gives way to star-kissed night, thousands of tukkals or illuminated boxes are let into the sky. It seems as if glittering lights are gently floating away in the sky. It is undoubtedly one of the not-to-be-missed sights for everyone. It is a view that will stay in your memory for a lifetime.
5. Mouth-watering Gujarati Cuisines.
If you love Gujarati cuisine, this festival is the best place to taste some of the most typical Gujarati cuisines. Enjoy lip-smacking Undhiyo, til ladoo, jalebi, chikki, and more.
State-Wise Interpretations of International Kite Festival 2025
Besides Gujarat, the Kite festival is also celebrated in other parts of the country with unbridled joy and enthusiasm.
International Kite Festival Jaipur
A similar kind of kite festival is also celebrated in Jaipur, which is a 3-day annual event that marks Makar Sankranti. The people of Jaipur fly kites, hold kite flying competitions, and relish traditional cuisines like til ke laddoo, gajak, etc., which are made of sesame seeds and jaggery.
Kite Flying Festival Delhi
Delhites are not too far from vibrantly celebrating Makar Sankranti. Like Jaipur and Ahmedabad, people in Delhi organise kite flying events and competitions wherein they grant cash prizes and gifts to the winners. Food is another highlight of these events as people savour food items like Gajak, til laddu, Ghewar, khichdi, Churma, and different types of halwa.
How To Reach Ahmedabad for International Kite Festival 2025
Sabarmati West Riverfront in Ahmedabad is a significant and most visited tourist destination which various modes of transportation such as railways, roadways, and airways can easily reach. Here are the different modes of transportation that take you to this awe-inspiring city.
- Nearest Major City. Gandhinagar
- Nearest Airport. Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station
- Distance from Gandhinagar. 23 km
By Air
Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport is the nearest to reach the Sabarmati riverfront. From the airport, the riverfront is approximately 10 km away. One may take a local bus or hire a cab to reach the riverfront, which is nearly 20 minutes, via Airport road and Riverfront road.
- Distance from the airport. 10 km
By Train
Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station on Kalupur Road is the nearest to reach the Sabarmati riverfront. Arriving from Delhi, one may consider travelling via direct trains that take passengers on a comfortable journey to the city. After deboarding at the Ahmedabad Junction station, one may take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the riverfront via Swami Vivekananda Road.
- Distance from the railway station. 4 km
By Road
If you plan to travel by road, you may consider inter-state tourist buses. Geeta Mandir Bus Stand is a prominent bus stop where one may deboard the bus to reach the riverfront nearly 3 km away. Biking enthusiasts or people planning a long trip may also arrive here by road as the city is well connected with national highways.
- Distance from Gandhinagar. 23 km
- Distance from Nadiad. 47 km
- Distance from Vadodara. 103 km
- Distance from Bhavnagar. 148 km
- Distance from Rajkot. 201 km
- Distance from Udaipur. 205 km
- Distance from Surat. 232 km
- Distance from Ratlam. 256 km
- Distance from Delhi. 950 km
Planning to participate in the International Kite Festival, Ahmedabad, this year? Check out Kite festival 2025 dates and leave your travel plans to Adotrip, your travel buddy. Enjoy exciting flight deals, amazing tour packages, quicker and hassle-free hotel bookings and more because, with us, nothing is far!
Conclusion
The International Kite Festival in Gujarat is not just about flying kites; it's a celebration of joy, culture, and tradition that brings people together. With its vibrant colours, enthusiastic participants, and the spirit of competition, it's an event that captures the heart of everyone who attends. If you're looking for a unique and lively festival to experience, this is one you shouldn't miss. It's a perfect example of how a simple activity like kite flying can turn into a grand celebration.
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Frequently Asked Questions About International Kite Festival, Ahmedabad
Q1. When and where is the International Kite Festival held?
A1. The International Kite Festival is held every year in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, during Makar Sankranti in mid-January. The main venue is Sabarmati Riverfront, but celebrations take place across the state.
Q2. What makes the International Kite Festival special?
A2. This festival is unique because it attracts kite flyers from across India and over 40 countries. The sky is filled with vibrant kites of all shapes and sizes, and the event also features kite battles, cultural performances, and delicious Gujarati cuisine.
Q3. Can tourists participate in the festival?
A3. Yes! Tourists are welcome to fly kites, join competitions, and explore kite markets. There are also kite-making workshops where visitors can learn the art of crafting traditional Indian kites.
Q4. What are the best things to do at the festival besides kite flying?
A4. Apart from flying kites, visitors can enjoy live music, cultural dance performances, night kite flying, food stalls, and explore the Patang Bazaar (Kite Market) for unique kite designs and souvenirs.
Q5. How can I reach Ahmedabad for the festival?
A5. Ahmedabad is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport serves domestic and international flights. Trains and buses also connect Ahmedabad to major Indian cities, making travel easy for visitors.
