International Kite Festival (Uttarayan) 2025 in India

Gujarat celebrates more than two hundred festivals each year, but the International Kite Festival (known as Uttarayan) is regarded as one of the greatest. It attracts thousands of kite crazies from all over the world.

Dates

The adventure takes place on January 14 of each year during the Makar Sankranti (harvest season) and continues until January 15. According to the Indian Calendar, this big event of Uttarayan marks the day when winter starts to turn into summer. It is a sign for farmers that the sun is back and that Makara Sankranti is coming up. In 2025, the International Kite Festival dates are from January 11 to January 14.

Festival Highlights

The International Kite Festival in Gujarat transforms the skies into a vibrant spectacle, with kites soaring from dawn until late into the night. Children wake up as early as 5 a.m. to take advantage of the perfect pre-dawn winds, while families gather on rooftops to share the experience. Traditional delicacies like Surati jamun undhyu and laddoos add to the festive spirit as friends and neighbors come together for group kite-flying. The festival embodies the essence of community, joy, and celebration, creating a magical atmosphere that is truly unforgettable.

Preparations

Starting in November, the streets of Ahmedabad come alive with kite production and preparations for Uttarayan. A hub of this excitement is Patang Bazaar, a vibrant kite market in the city's historic quarters. Open 24 hours a day in the week leading up to the festival. This bustling marketplace is the ultimate destination for kite enthusiasts to gather supplies and gear up for the celebrations.

Activities

During the show, you can meet up with kite makers and flyers, learn everything about kites, and prepare for some flying contests. One of the highlights of this famous festival is the sound and light show about kites as well as kite training workshops, which promise to turn you into kite kite-making professional.

Location

The festival is celebrated all across Gujarat, Telangana, and Rajasthan in cities and towns like Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Udaipur, and many others. However, the International Kite Event takes place in Ahmedabad (the Kite capital of Gujarat), which accommodates visitors from many international destinations.

Another great opportunity to dive into Indian festival culture is the Lohri festival, celebrated on January 13 across the Punjab region. Learn more here.