Ahmedabad: As Gujarat gears up to celebrate the festival of Makar Sankranti on January 14, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad on January 12, 2026. The inaugural ceremony will also see the presence of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

135 kite flyers from 50 countries to participate

It is worth mentioning that 135 international kite flyers from 50 countries will participate in the International Kite Festival 2026. In addition, more than 936 kite flyers from 14 Indian states, including Gujarat, will take part. Overall, a total of 1,071 kite enthusiasts will fly kites during the festival.

Alongside kite flying, 25 handicraft stalls and 15 food stalls will be set up for visitors. These stalls will promote local art, handicrafts and regional cuisine.

Night kite flying on January 13

The International Kite Festival 2026, to be held in Ahmedabad from January 12 to 14, will feature a wide variety of colourful and large kites flown by national and international participants, which will be a major attraction. Night kite flying has also been organised on January 13, 2026.

Additionally, attractions such as the heritage haveli and ancient bridge, a colourful handicraft market, a kite museum on the heritage walkway, iconic photo wall installations, and special cultural programmes starting from 7:00 pm will draw large crowds. The cultural programme will feature renowned Gujarati folk singer Kinjalben Dave.

This year, the International Kite Festival will also be held outside Ahmedabad, on January 10, 2026, in Rajkot, Surat and Dholavira in Kutch; on January 11, 2026, in Vadnagar, Shivrajpur and the Statue of Unity; and on January 13, 2026, in Vadodara.

Over 3.83 lakh visitors attended in 2025

It is worth noting that in 2025, the International Kite Festival attracted more than 3.83 lakh visitors across Gujarat. Through the festival, the Gujarat Tourism Corporation continues to attract both domestic and international tourists to the state. As a result, it is estimated that more than five lakh tourists will visit Gujarat during the International Kite Festival this year. DeshGujarat