Your Guide to India’s Kite Festivals 2026

If there is one time when the entire country looks up in unison, it is the week of Makar Sankranti. From the riverfronts of Gujarat to the historic rooftops of Jaipur, the sky transforms into a vibrant battlefield of paper and thread. For us, this isn't just a festival; it is a day of family rivalry, terrace parties, and the official end of the winter chill.

Here is your definitive 2026 guide to the most spectacular kite festivals in India, updated with the latest event schedules, safety guidelines, and ceremonial details.

1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat: The World’s Kite Capital

In Gujarat, the festival is known as Uttarayan, and while the Sabarmati Riverfront hosts the official "Olympics" of the sport, the real heart lies in the Pols of the Old City. This year’s event is particularly high-profile, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz set to inaugurate the festival tomorrow, January 12. Over 135 international flyers from 50 countries have arrived to showcase massive artistic kites, while locals fill the air with the deafening roar of "Kai Po Che!" and "Ae Lapet!" from every rooftop. Be sure to stay for the night of January 13, when the sky is illuminated by thousands of Tukkals (paper lanterns).

2. Jaipur, Rajasthan: Royalty and Rooftop Wars

In the Pink City, kite flying is a passionate local sport where the sky becomes so thick with paper that it often obscures the sun. While official events take place at the Jaipur Polo Ground and Jal Mahal from January 14–16, the most authentic experience is found on a private rooftop in the Walled City. Local Jaipurites celebrate with a chorus of "Woh Kaata!" and the shrill sound of plastic horns, fueled by traditional snacks like Til-patti, Gajak, and warm Feeni. For photographers, the Jal Mahal promenade at sunset offers iconic shots of thousands of kites reflecting in the Man Sagar Lake.

3. Hyderabad, Telangana: Kites, Sweets and Tech

Hyderabad’s International Kite and Sweet Festival at the Parade Grounds (January 13–15) is a unique sensory explosion that merges ancient tradition with cutting-edge technology. This year features a massive technological crossover, including a Drone Festival on January 13–14 and a mega Drone Show at Gachibowli Stadium on January 16–17. Alongside the high-flying action and a European Hot Air Balloon Festival, you can indulge in the International Sweet Festival, which showcases over 1,200 varieties of treats prepared by residents from over 20 different ethnic backgrounds.

4. Punjab: The Spring Awakening (Basant)

In North India, the kite season peaks on Friday, January 23, 2026, for Basant Panchami, marking the official arrival of Spring with a sea of yellow. The tradition, famously supported by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, sees the landscape of Amritsar and Ludhiana turn gold with mustard fields and yellow attire. Families gather on terraces to fly kites, filling the air with the hearty victory cry, "Bo-Kaata!" The day is also spiritually significant as devotees perform Saraswati Puja to honor the goddess of knowledge, often serving traditional yellow-hued dishes like Meethe Chawal (sweet saffron rice) and Kesar Halwa.

Important Considerations for the 2026 Season

The Muhurat: In 2026, the Sun enters Capricorn (Makara Rashi) at 3:13 PM IST on Wednesday, January 14. The most auspicious Maha Punya Kaal lasts from 3:13 PM to 4:58 PM. Since this occurs during daylight, all major rituals and charity should be performed on the 14th itself.
Safety First: Please use only cotton thread (Saddi). Authorities have issued strict warnings against glass-coated Manjha or Chinese Manjha, which pose a lethal threat to birds and commuters.
Hydration: Spending the whole day on a rooftop in the January sun can be deceptively draining. Use sunblock and stay hydrated.

2026 Quick-Reference Fact Table

City	Key Venue	Peak Date (2026)	Victory Shout
Ahmedabad	Sabarmati Riverfront / Pols	Wednesday, Jan 14	"Kai Po Che!"
Jaipur	Walled City / Jal Mahal	Wednesday, Jan 14	"Woh Kaata!"
Hyderabad	Parade Grounds	Wednesday, Jan 14	"Sankranti Subhakankshalu"
Amritsar	Local Rooftops	Friday, Jan 23	"Bo-Kaata!"

Ready to see India from a different perspective? Whether you are chasing lanterns at Jal Mahal or giant drones in Hyderabad, let yatrigo.com be your guide to the most authentic festival experiences in India.