Imagine a day when the sky is filled with colorful kites of all different shapes and sizes. Every terrace, riverfront, and open ground is filled with people cheering, laughing, and shouting “Kai Po Che!” That is the magic of the Ahmedabad International Kite Festival 2026.
If you see this, there is a high possibility you are in Ahmedabad and celebrating the Kite Festival. To celebrate the kite festival, Gujarat tourism hosts the International Kite Festival at Ahmedabad 2026 every year attracting the world’s best kite flyers in the city. Here is more information about this festival.
International Kite Festival 2026
The International Kite Festival or Uttarayan is one of the most awaited festivals in India and especially in Gujarat. It is organized by Gujarat Tourism during Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) and attracts kite flyers from all over India and many foreign countries.
The festival travels to different cities in Gujarat, but Ahmedabad hosts the biggest and longest celebration, making it the best place to experience the festival.
Kite Festival Gujarat 2026 – Dates & Locations
The festival will be celebrated across Gujarat on different dates:
| 10th January 2026 | Rajkot, Surat & Dholavira |
| 11th January 2026 | Shivrajpur, SOU – Ekta Nagar & Vadnagar |
| 12th to 14th January 2026 | Ahmedabad (Main Celebration) |
If you can attend only one location, Ahmedabad is the place you should not miss.
Ahmedabad Kite Festival 2026 – Time, Entry Fees & Venue
The Ahmedabad International Kite Festival is inaugurated by the Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat, along with senior government officials, Gujarat Tourism representatives, and international guests.
Every year, the Ahmedabad International Kite Festival attracts foreign tourists and kite flyers from many countries. Visitors from countries like Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Belgium, and other parts of the world come to Ahmedabad with their unique and traditional kites.
Malaysian Wau-Balang kites attract attention with their artistic designs, while Japanese Rokkaku fighting kites are famous for their special flying techniques. Kites from Indonesia, known as Llayang-Llayang, leave visitors amazed, and the Chinese dragon kites flying in the sky are a major highlight for tourists.
| Dates | 12th January to 14th January 2026 |
| Timings | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Ticket Prices | Free for all visitors |
| Venue in Ahmedabad | Vallabh Sadan, Riverfront, Ahmedabad |
| Parking Fees | Rs. 10 for two-wheelers & Rs. 20 for four-wheelers |
As evening arrives, the sky looks magical with illuminated box kites and LED kites glowing in the air. The night view of the festival is truly amazing.
No festival in Ahmedabad is complete without food. During the kite festival, enjoy Undhiyu, Jalebi & Fafda, Chikki, Laddoos and winter snacks. Along with this, cultural performances and activities keep the atmosphere lively and full of joy throughout the day.
How to Participate in Ahmedabad International Kite Festival 2026
As a Visitor:
- Entry is generally free for public viewing
- Some special zones or events may require passes
- Arrive early to avoid crowds
As a Kite Flyer (Indian or International):
- Participation is usually organized by Gujarat Tourism
- International participants are often invited officially
- Indian kite flyers can join local competitions and demonstrations
Note: To participate in this riverfront kite festival competition, you must register from the official website or Contact.
How to Reach International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad
- By Air – The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, which is approximately 10 km away.
- By Railways – The nearest railway station is Kalupur railway station.
- By Road – Visitors can reach the Venus by bus, metro or car.
Why Ahmedabad is the Best Place to Experience the Kite Festival
While Rajkot, Surat, Dholavira, Shivrajpur, SOU – Ekta Nagar, and Vadnagar host beautiful celebrations, Ahmedabad offers the complete International Kite Festival experience.
Here’s Why:
- Longest festival duration (3 days)
- Largest gathering of international participants
- Iconic Sabarmati Riverfront setting
- Best facilities for tourists
- Food, shopping, culture, and nightlife—all in one city
If you’re in Ahmedabad in January, don’t miss this kite festival—it’s once-in-a-year magic.
What You’ll See at the Ahmedabad Festival
Visitors in Ahmedabad can enjoy:
- Giant 3D kites like dragons, rings, animals, and creative designs
- Traditional Indian fighter kites
- Country-themed international kites
- Night kites with LED lights
- Live folk music and dance performances
- Local handicraft stalls
- Perfect photography spots at the riverfront
- Authentic Gujarati food like undhiyu, jalebi, fafda, and more….
As evening arrives, the illuminated kites create a magical view that you will never forget.
Extra Things To Do in Ahmedabad (If You Have Time):
If tourists have some extra time, they should explore Ahmedabad, a city rich in culture, architecture, and beauty. There are many popular tourist places near the International Kite Festival venue.
- Ahmedabad Riverfront Flower Show
- Jama Masjid
- Atal Foot Over Bridge
- Kankaria Lake
- Hathi Singh Jain Temple
- Siddi Siyed Mosque
A Visual Journey of Ahmedabad International Kite Festival 2026:
Final Verdict
There is no better place to enjoy the craftsman spirit of kite flying than here. With fun and frolic to watch flying 500 kites on a single string is a fantastic site.
Image Source: IKF.GujaratTourism
FAQs:
The International Kite Festival is celebrated in the state of Gujarat, India.
The Ahmedabad International Kite Festival 2026 will be held from 12th January to 14th January 2026.
The international kite festival is held in Ahmedabad, a city in the state of Gujarat, India. It is held at Sabarmati Riverfront, a waterfront area in the city that is developed for recreational activities.
An international kite festival is a seven-day event, starting on January 12th and continuing until Makar Sankranti, which is January 14, 2026.
The International Kite Festival is a celebration of kite flying, with people from all over the world coming to Ahmedabad to participate. There are kite flying competitions, as well as displays of colorful kites of all shapes and sizes. In addition to kite flying, there are also cultural programs and food stalls offering local delicacies.
If you are interested in participating in the international kite festival, you can visit the official website or contact the organizers for more information.
Sirisha
January 11, 2023 at 7:08 pm
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TheIndia
January 12, 2023 at 11:15 am
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