Archive · 8 Jan 2026
India Prepares for Kite Festivals in 2026
India is getting ready for big kite festivals in 2026.
In Gujarat, the International Kite Festival will be held from January 10 to January 14 at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, with events in other cities too.
People from countries like Japan, the USA, and Australia will come to fly kites.
There will be kite flying, cultural shows, and local food.
In Telangana, the festival will be from January 13 to January 15 at the Secunderabad Parade Grounds.
There will be special Hanuman kites and night flying displays.
The festival will also have sweet tastings, hot air balloon rides, and a drone show.
Both festivals are free to join and will have lots of fun activities for everyone!
The International Kite Festival (IKF) will be held in Gujarat from January 10 to January 14, 2026, and in Telangana from January 13 to January 15, 2026.
The main venues are the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and the Secunderabad Parade Grounds (Telangana), with additional events in other cities.
Participants from countries like Japan, the USA, the UK, France, Australia, Indonesia, Canada, Sri Lanka, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, Algeria, and Thailand will showcase their kites.
The festivals include kite flying, cultural programs, handicraft exhibitions, local food stalls, a sweet festival, hot air balloon rides, and a drone show.
Entry to the main festival venues is free for all visitors, with additional safety measures in place to ban nylon manja and ensure a safe environment.
- Who
- Kite enthusiasts and visitors worldwide, including participants from multiple countries and Indian states.
- What
- International Kite Festival (IKF) celebrating Uttarayan with kite flying, cultural programs, handicraft exhibitions, local food stalls, and additional events like a sweet festival, hot air balloon festival, and drone show.
- When
- January 10-14, 2026 (Gujarat), January 13-15, 2026 (Telangana).
- Where
- Main venue at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Secunderabad Parade Grounds (Telangana), with events in other cities like Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, and various locations in Hyderabad.
- Why
- To celebrate the cultural tradition of Uttarayan and Makar Sankranti, marking the end of winter and the start of the harvest season, and to promote tourism and economic development.
Safety and Regulation
Traditional Practices
Use of Nylon Manja
Safety and Regulation
Banning nylon manja to prevent injuries to people and animals.
Traditional Practices
Some traditional kite flyers may prefer nylon manja for its strength and durability.
- Event Name
- International Kite Festival (IKF)
- Dates
- January 10-14, 2026 (Gujarat), January 13-15, 2026 (Telangana)
- Main Venue
- Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Secunderabad Parade Grounds (Telangana)
- Organizer
- Gujarat Tourism Department, Telangana Tourism Development Corporation
- Participating Countries
- Japan, USA, UK, France, Australia, Indonesia, Canada, Sri Lanka, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, Algeria, Thailand
- Entry Fee
- Free
- Event Timings
- 10 AM to 5 PM (with evening performances)
- Special Features
- Hanuman kites, night flying displays, cultural performances, handicraft stalls, food courts, hot air balloon festival, drone show
Sources
Gujarat Set To Host Vibrant International Kite Festival 2026: Check Dates, Full Schedule
Grand Kite and Sweet Festival will be celebrated grandly for Sankranti: Jupally Krishna Rao
Telangana to Host Kite, Sweet, Balloon Festivals and Drone Show for Sankranti
