Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Chennai kite festival features 200 inflatable kites, 30 pro flyers
Every year, the state of Tamil Nadu in India holds a big kite festival, and this year is the fifth time.
More than 200 giant inflatable kites shaped like octopuses, sharks, and dancing dolls flew in the sky.
Over 30 professional kite flyers came from countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India.
The festival is happening at Thiruvidanthai Beach, near Chennai, right by the Bay of Bengal.
It lasts for three days, from Friday to Sunday, during India's Independence Day holiday weekend.
Officials think more than 50,000 people will visit by the time it ends.
Last year, over 20,000 visitors came, and when it first started, only 5,000 people showed up.
Entry to the festival is free this year so more families can enjoy it.
In the evening, glowing kites light up the sky with music, DJ concerts, and fireworks.
There are also food stalls, carnival games, handicraft shops, and even a Red Bull race car on display!
Over 30 professional kite flyers from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and India are taking part in the 5th Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival.
More than 200 giant inflatable kites, ranging from sea monsters to cultural icons, fill the sky over Thiruvidanthai Beach.
Officials estimate the three-day festival, which began on Friday, will attract over 50,000 visitors by the time it concludes on Sunday.
Entry has been made free this year to make the festival more accessible and encourage greater domestic tourism.
Evening events include illuminated kites, DJ concerts, fireworks, and a Red Bull F1 racing car model display on Sunday.
- Who
- More than 30 professional kite flyers from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and India, with the festival organized by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department and inaugurated by Tourism Minister S Rajesh Kumar.
- What
- The 5th Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival, featuring over 200 giant inflatable kites, illuminated night shows, music, DJ concerts and fireworks.
- When
- A three-day festival that commenced on Friday and concludes on Sunday, coinciding with the Independence Day holiday weekend.
- Where
- Thiruvidanthai Beach on Chennai's East Coast Road, at the TTDC Ocean View in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Why
- To promote domestic tourism and offer a free, family-oriented attraction during the Independence Day holidays.
- Festival edition
- 5th Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival
- Expected visitors
- Over 50,000
- Professional kite flyers
- Over 30 from six countries
- Inflatable kites
- Over 200 giant kites, marine-themed
- Venue
- TTDC Ocean View, Mamallapuram / Thiruvidanthai Beach, Chennai
- Organizer
- Tamil Nadu Tourism Department with Global Media Box
- Entry
- Free this year
- Previous attendance
- Over 20,000 last year; 5,000 at first edition