Every year, the western state of Gujarat celebrates hundreds of festivals but the greatest of all is the International Kite Festival (also known as Uttarayan). Celebrated at the time of Makar Sankranti, this unique festival witnesses a considerable participation of kite flyers from across the globe.
The skyline of various cities across the state is filled with different sizes, varieties and colours of kites from before dawn until well after dark, presenting a spectacular view for the onlookers to behold. As the kite-crazies battle it out at the competition, people gather on rooftops with friends or families to enjoy a relaxed picnic in the backdrop of this colourful event.
All You Need to Know About International Kite Festival 2024
The 33rd edition of the International Kite Festival was recently inaugurated by the Gujarat’s CM, Bhupendrabhai Patel and Governor, Acharya Devvrat at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad with numerous country representatives and state ministers in attendance. According to the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, over 125 kite flyers from over 68 countries including India are participating in this festival. The theme of this week-long festival is “One Earth, One Family, One Future” .
The main event is taking place at Ahmedabad but the kite flying competitions will be held in several other cities across Gujarat including Vadodara, Rajkot, Vadnagar, Somnath, Rajkot and Dhordo. Access to the kite flying area is restricted to the participants but visitors can attend the festival for free.
The International Kite Festival has been hosted as part of Uttarayan celebration since 1989, bringing professional kite makers and flyers from all over the world to collaborate. The aim of the event is to promote tourism and highlight the culture of the state.
Important Details of International Kite Festival 2024:
Date | City – Venue | Kite Festival Visit Timings |
08-14th January | Ahmedabad – Sabarmati Riverfront | 10 am – 5 pm |
- Entry Fee for Visitors: Free (for Kite Festival & Cultural Program)