The International Kite Festival in Gujarat is one of the most vibrant and multi-coloured festivals celebrated every year in January since 1989. Popularly known as Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti, this fiesta of kites celebrates the retreat of the winter season.
Even though it is celebrated in many cities in Gujarat, Kite Flying Festival in Ahmedabad is quite famous all over the world. It sees participation by close to a hundred kite flying experts belonging to 35 to 40 countries, which include Russia, Philippines, New Zealand, Poland, Japan, Italy, Brazil, Australia, the USA, Malaysia, France, China, and Vietnam.
Come and witness the grand celebrations, when kites in all sizes, colors, and shapes dot the blue sky; and the spirits are high as participants and the audience are in a festive mood. The international kite festival in Gujarat is one of the most auspicious and colorful events celebrated throughout the year.
Important Note: Due to Covid-19, this event has been officially cancelled by the state government. Everything mentioned below will not be happening. But, the International Kite Festival will be held in 2024!
International Kite Festival 2021: Date, Time, & Venue
When: Cancelled for 2021 due to Covid-19
Ahmedabad: Cancelled for 2021 due to Covid-19
Vadodara-Rajkot: Cancelled for 2021 due to Covid-19
Kevadiya-Porbandar: Cancelled for 2021 due to Covid-19
Surat: Cancelled for 2021 due to Covid-19
Saputara-Dhordo: Cancelled for 2021 due to Covid-19
Mehsana: Cancelled for 2021 due to Covid-19
In 2021, the Kite Flying festival was celebrated from 7th to 15th January. The dates, as well as the venue, are expected to remain the same in 2021. Winter in Gujarat is anyway an amazing time to take a trip to this colorful state.
Timing: Celebrations start at 8 in the morning and continue till 5 pm
Entry Ticket: Entry to Kite flying cultural program is free of cost. However, visitors are not allowed in the kite-flying zone.
Where: Venue for the annual kite flying festival in Gujarat is the Sabarmati River Front, located on the Ashram Road.
How to reach the venue: Sabarmati River Front is not difficult to locate. Travelers can reach the venue by hailing a cab from any point in the city.
- Car Entry Point: Patang Hotel, Near Nehru Bridge Corner, Ashram Road
- Public Entry: Vallabh Sadan Temple, Opposite Gujarat Chambers of Commerce, Ashram Road
The International kite festival is celebrated across Gujarat but the zeal & enthusiasm seen in the lanes of Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Nadiad is unmatched. Besides, the festival is also a part of the Rann Utsav – a three-month long celebration in the Rann of Kutch that continues from December to March.
Must Read: Rann Utsav 2024: All You Need To Know About The Desert Fest
Gujarat Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
International Kite Festival Gujarat 2021: Highlights
The International Kite Festival in Gujarat is celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm and merriment. People stock up their houses with kites and charkharis well before the event. The festive fervor continues even after sunset when people fly paper lanterns known as tukkal, tied to the kite strings. Attending this fest is one of the most amazing things to do in Gujarat for sure.
If you want to be a part of the kite festival Gujarat, you can pick up any of the fancy kites at the Patang Market in the old city of Ahmedabad. The market stays open for 24 hours for the entire week preceding the festival.
The International Kite Flying Festival celebrations also feature local bazaars that showcase Gujarati handicrafts and finger-licking dishes like til laddoo, chikki, and jalebi. You should consider going shopping in Gujarat for an amazing experiencce. The highlight of the festival, however, is how locals and international kite flyers get together to celebrate the festival, and promote peace and harmony even while competing with each other.
Suggested Read: 15 Uncommon & Unusual Festivals In India That You Should Attend In 2024
Why Should You Attend It?
The International Kite Festival is a delight for kite lovers. Whether you fly kites or make them, this is the occasion to see a lot of them, in distinct shapes and designs. The past celebrations have welcomed artists from different countries who amaze the audience with their innovative creations.
In the past years, the celebrations have hosted master kite makers who flaunted unique designs. Rokkaku fighting kites from Japan, sculptural designs from Italy and Flying dragon kites from China are some of the types that will attract your attention at the festival. Also, the famous kite master, Rasulbhai Rahimbhai of Ahmedabad, puts up a brilliant show as he manages 500 kites on a single string.
Suggested Read: Swing, Dance, And Rejoice At Teej Festival In Jaipur 2024: A Fanfare Of Customs & Celebrations
Why Is Kite Festival Celebrated?
Kite festival in India 2021 might stand cancelled for the year due to coronavirus but there is something more important that you should know. Why is the Kite Festival celebrated? Well, the festival of Uttarayan marks the day when winter starts turning into summer. This is obviously, according to the Indian calendar. It is the sign for farmers across the country that sun will shine brightly and also marks the onset of harvest season. Since Makar Sankranti is also celebrated on the 15th of January, this tells us about the new season bringing new fruits and produce.
Where To Stay In Ahmedabad During International Kite Festival 2021
Here are some of the best options for accommodation if you are planning to attend the kite festival in Gujarat this year. You could alternatively choose to stay in one of the homestays in Ahmedabad for a different experience.
1. Cama Hotel
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Cama Hotel is a 3-star hotel in Ahemdabad that offers its guests not only a comfortable stay but also all kinds of modern amenities. Enjoy the quaint views of Sabarmati River from your balcony. The hotel comes with well-manicured gardens and outdoor pool. It is only 1.5 km from Gandhigram Railway Station.
Location: Khanpur Rd, Old City, Khanpur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001
Tariff: INR 2,737 on avg.
Website
2. Pride Plaza Hotel
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If you wish to stay at a 5-star hotel in Ahmedabad during the Kite Festival in Gujarat, then make your reservations at Pride Plaza Hotel. The upscale modern hotel is only 16 km from the airport. Enjoy dining at its laid-back vegetarian restaurant and cafe.
Location: Judges Bunglow Rd, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380054
Tariff: INR 5,427 on avg.
Website
3. Courtyard by Marriott
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Could there be a better stay than Marriot? Courtuyard by Mariot is one of the most-renowned 5-star hotels in Ahmedabad that pampers its guests with fine hospitality and all kinds of luxuries and comforts. The stylish rooms with modern amenities make your stay worthwhile and memorable.
Location: Ramdev Nagar Cross Road, Satellite Rd, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380015
Tariff: INR 11,470 on avg.
Website
Suggested Read: 17 Famous Festivals In Gujarat To Celebrate In 2024 With Joyous Fervor
How To Reach Ahmedabad
By Air
All airlines like AirAsia, GoaAir, Spicejet, and Vistara have direct flights from New Delhi and other major cities. The flight duration between New Delhi and Ahmedabad is 1 hour 20 minutes. The cost of flight is INR 2,500 onwards.
By Rail
Rajdhani Express is the fastest train between New Delhi and Ahmedabad that takes about 13 hours to reach. There are number of other trains on this route. Ahmedabad also has from Mumbai and other cities.
Further Read: 14 Festivals In January In India That Reflect The Country’s Rich Culture 2024!
Celebrations with kites are seen all over India, but the celebrations of the International Kite Festival in Gujarat are second to none. Marking the start of a new season, the festival brings in a lot of joy and fervor. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a holiday to Gujarat and be ready to say Kai Po Che!
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
