International Kite Festival: Kite Festival in Gujarat

It is believed to be the day when the Gods wake up from their long sleep and heaven opens up. This is the day when the beautiful blue skies in Gujarat are filled with colorful kites flying around and the laughter of the people rings in the wind. People from not only India but all over the world gather together to witness this day and show their talents in kite-making.

2025 Dates of International Kite Festival

The International Kite Festival in Gujarat is celebrated on the 11th-14th of January every year and is one of the main attractions of tourism in Gujarat.

Colourful kites all ready to be sold for Uttarayan (Source 

Here are some reasons why you should not miss the Kite Festival in Gujarat.

1. A magical sight that happens only once a year:

I know all of you have seen kites flying during so many festivals or even on a normal day and are wondering why should you go all the way to Gujarat to see it again. But let me tell you, it is a sight that will leave you speechless. The whole of the sky is filled with kites almost looking like a tent, the different colors, designs of kites dancing in the sky looking like they’ve come to life is something you will never see anywhere else.

Kites of different colours and sizes ready to be let out in the sky (Source)

2. Want to know how good you are at Kite- flying?

One of the main attractions of the kite festival is the Kite- flying competition. All the people stand on the rooftops flying their own kites while trying to bring down or cut the other person’s kite. There is no bar on age, everyone is a child on this day. So, no matter how old you are this is the time to bring out the child in you and just enjoy yourself to the fullest.

Different aged people waiting to fly their kites (Source

3. Ever wondered how the Manjha (kite string) is made?

When you go to Gujarat you will see sellers making Manjha before the big day. Manjha is the string that is used to control the kite. It is coloured and covered with powdered glass, then dried. If not handled right, the Manjha can injure. This sharp string is what cuts the other kites.

Making of the Manjha (Source

4. The breathtakingly beautiful night sky:

I bet all of you have seen illuminated box (known as Tukkals) let out into the sky but have you ever seen thousands of them let out all together? The night sky on the International Kite festival is one that should never be missed. A lit up sky, beautiful and radiant. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the view like never before.

Tukkals lighting up the night sky at the Kite festival in Gujarat (Source

5. Love Gujarati food?

The exciting day of the International Kite Festival ends with the traditional food festival of Gujarat. The most famous delicacies are up for sale such as:

• Undhiyu ( vegetable delicacy)
• Jalebi
• Til Ladoo ( sweets that are made from sesame seeds)
• Chikki ( a sweet made from jaggery and groundnut)

Tourists from all over the world visit this auspicious day and enjoy everything that is there in store for them.

Til Ladoo made from sesame seeds and jaggery (Source 

6. A day when everyone around you is happy

Are you sad? Depressed? Need a get away? This is the place to be. The positive aura and vibes will make you smile and forget about all your worries. No matter what the status of the people are, everyone is happy. Little children running around happy and joyously flying their kites. It will make you realize how a day of such celebration helps people forget all about their busy lives and hardships they face on a daily basis.

A boy happy selling Kites (Source

A boy watching for falling kites (Source

The International Kite Festival is a day filled with  happiness and laughter. Though this festival is celebrated in other parts of India, you should go to Gujarat at least once because the view and celebration at Gujarat is like no other. You have to be there to experience it. 

Important Information on the International Kite Festival 2025

Dates: January 11- 14

Venue: Sabarmati River Front,

Ashram Road, Ahmedabad – 380006

Timings - 8 AM – 5 PM