Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are set to jointly inaugurate the much-anticipated International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad on January 12. The grand event, a highlight of the Uttarayan celebrations, will transform the Sabarmati Riverfront into a vibrant canvas of colors and cultures for three days, from January 12 to 14.
A Global Gathering of Kite Enthusiasts
According to an official statement from the tourism department, the festival will witness massive participation from across the globe. A total of 135 international kite fliers from 50 different countries will showcase their artistry. They will be joined by 65 national participants from various Indian states and a whopping 871 kite enthusiasts from Gujarat itself. This convergence promises a spectacular display of unique and traditional kites from every corner of the world.
Expanded Celebrations Across Gujarat
This year, the festivities are not confined to Ahmedabad alone. The government has announced a multi-city celebration across Gujarat. The International Kite Festival will kick off in Rajkot, Surat, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dholavira in Kutch on January 10. The following day, January 11, the sky will come alive over Vadnagar, Shivrajpur, and near the iconic Statue of Unity. Vadodara will host its event on January 13, ensuring the festive spirit engulfs the entire state.
Beyond Kites: Cultural Immersion and Night Flights
The festival offers more than just daytime kite flying. A major attraction will be the night kite-flying event scheduled for January 13, where illuminated kites will light up the Ahmedabad sky. To provide a holistic cultural experience, the international participants will be taken on a guided tour of Ahmedabad's historic walled city and its heritage buildings.
Evenings at the Sabarmati Riverfront will be packed with special cultural programs. Visitors can also explore a handicraft market and a dedicated kite museum set up on the heritage walkway. These additions aim to showcase Gujarat's rich traditions alongside the global kite-flying spectacle.
The tourism department highlighted the festival's growing popularity, noting that last year's edition attracted over 3.83 lakh visitors. The 2025 festival had featured 140 international fliers from 47 nations and 52 national participants. Buoyed by this success, the state anticipates an even larger turnout this year, with an estimated 5 lakh tourists expected to visit Gujarat for the 2026 International Kite Festival.
