The Gujarat International Kite Festival is a spectacular event that transforms the skies into a vibrant canvas of flying colours. Held during the second week of January, this extraordinary event celebrates Uttarayan(the moment when winter gives way to summer in the Hindu calendar) also known as Makar Sankranti. The Kite Festival at Gujarat isn’t just an event but a cultural tradition that turns every city and town into a playground. From sunrise to sunset, kites of all shapes, sizes, and colours create a magical display in the sky. More than just a competition, the Makar Sankranti Kite Festival in Gujarat brings people together. As the festival arrives, everyone from children to grandparents rushes to rooftops to fly kites challenging their neighbours playfully!
Preparation is key to be a winner in the International Kite Festival in Gujarat. Skilled kite-makers craft kites with bamboo frames and carefully stretched kite paper. But the real secret weapon is the “Manja”, a special kite string coated with a sharp mixture of glue and glass, designed to cut competitors’ kite strings. Sounds exciting? Explore the dates, venue, and the best places to see the International Kite Festival in Gujarat to be a part of it.
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Gujarat International Kite Festival Dates, Time, Fee & Venue
- International Kite Festival In Gujarat Dates: 11 January 2025 to 14 January 2025
- International Kite Festival In Gujarat Venue: Sabarmati Riverfront, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad, 380006.
- International Kite Festival In Gujarat Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
- International Kite Festival In Gujarat Entry Fee: Free ( some activities might be chargeable)
International Kite Festival Of Ahmedabad: Major Attractions
Explore the highlights and the best things to do at International Kite Festival of Ahmedabad:- Enjoy A stunning theme pavilion that showcases the vibrant history of Gujarat like Garba dance or Gujarati folk music.
- Witness Kite flying by global kite enthusiasts from Japan, Indonesia, and the USA flying a variety of kites, ranging from traditional Gujarati Patang (local kite designs) to exciting shapes like dragons, eagles, and even cartoon characters.
- Explore handicrafts markets, where skilled artisans represent the traditional/handmade treasures of Gujarat.
- Numerous refreshment stalls will be just around the corner to keep up the energy levels throughout. Grab Gujarati delicacies like till ka laddoo, jalebi, dhokla, and many more!
Places To See International Kite Festival In Gujarat 2025
The Gujarat Kite Festival, also known as the Makar Sankranti Kite Festival in Gujarat, is a vibrant celebration that spreads across the entire state. While the International Kite Festival is specifically hosted in Ahmedabad, people in many different cities and towns participate in the excitement. Major places to see International Kite Festival in Gujarat 2025 include:
- Vadodara
- Surat
- Rajkot
- Kevdia
- Shivrajpur Beach
In these locations, people of all ages come together to fly colourful kites, compete with each other, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
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Makar Sankranti Kite Festival In Gujarat: History
Since 1989, Ahmedabad has transformed the Uttarayan celebration into an International Kite Festival. Since then, Gujarat has welcomed kite makers to show off their skills, creativity, and unique kite-making traditions from around the world. People have come from countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, the United States, Japan, Italy, and China, each bringing their own special type of kite. Some kites were traditional, like the Malaysian wau-balang or the Indonesian llayang-llayang. Others were modern and high-tech. There were giant banner kites from America, Japanese fighting kites, Italian artistic kites, and even Chinese dragon-shaped kites flying in the sky.
A local kite maker named Rasulbhai Rahimbhai is renowned for flying up to 500 kites on just one single string! This has become a highlight of the International Kite Festival in Gujarat.
So, get ready to be blown away by the amazing kites, culinary delights, and incredible performances at the Gujarat International Kite Festival.
