Ahmedabad: The seven-day Kankaria Carnival 2025, beginning 25 December, will feature a star-studded line-up of Gujarat’s most popular music performers, all free for the public. As per the official carnival schedule, visitors can enjoy cultural programmes from morning till night across three dedicated stages: Pushp Kunj (Stage 1), Balvatika (Stage 2) and Vyayam Vidyalaya (Stage 3), with the biggest concerts hosted at Stage 1.

The opening night on 25 December will see a grand live performance by Kirtidan Gadhvi, who will take the stage after the inauguration ceremony, followed by a special drone show. On 26 December, audiences can enjoy a powerful live band performance by Sanket Kondur and Band, while 27 December features a multi-artist evening showcasing youth performers and contemporary musical acts, and that day will be headlined by Parth Oza. The carnival intensifies on 28 December, when Geeta Rabari headlines the Stage 1 lineup with her signature folk and devotional numbers.

On 29 December, Manan Desai, Om Bhatt, Deep Vaidya and Chiryau Mistry will take the stage with their stand-up comedy show, while the highlight of 30 December will be a special musical show by Brijdan Gadhvi, attracting young audiences with modern Gujarati hits. The festivities conclude on 31 December with a New Year’s Eve live concert by Ishani Dave, whose performance will be followed by a pyrotechnic show, laser lights, and musical fountain displays, as seen in the programme chart.

Beyond headline concerts, the carnival features a wide range of entertainment including stand-up comedy, rock band performances, DJ nights, pet fashion shows, mehendi and nail-art stalls, gaming events, jugglers, and a vibrant flea market. Cultural competitions for children, musical workshops, and daily thematic shows across all zones make the carnival a comprehensive week-long celebration open to all. Entry across the venue remains completely free, making it one of Ahmedabad’s largest and most accessible public festivals. DeshGujarat