International Kite Festival 2026: PM Modi to Inaugurate Event in Ahmedabad; German Chancellor and 1,071 Kite Flyers to Participate
Ahmedabad: As Gujarat gears up for Uttarayan—the festival of Makar Sankranti—preparations are in full swing to transform the skies into a vibrant canvas of colors. The highly anticipated ‘International Kite Festival 2026’ is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the morning of January 12, 2026, at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.
Adding global significance to the event, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will be present as a guest of honor during the inaugural ceremony. The mega-event is being organized under the direction of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi.
Ahmedabad Leg and Key Attractions
Scheduled from January 12 to 14, 2026, the Ahmedabad leg of the festival will feature top-tier international and national kite flyers showcasing massive, uniquely designed kites. A major highlight will be the night kite-flying session slated for January 13.
Beyond the skies, the venue will celebrate the city’s identity with installations reflecting Ahmedabad’s heritage havelis and ancient ‘Pols’ (housing clusters). Visitors can explore a heritage walkway featuring a Kite Museum, a colorful handicraft market, and iconic photo wall installations. The evenings will be enlivened by cultural performances, including a special showcase by renowned folk singer Kinjal Dave.
Global Participation and Local Economy
The festival will witness a massive congregation of 1,071 kite enthusiasts. The participant breakdown includes:
- 135 international flyers from 50 different countries.
- 65 national flyers from 13 Indian states.
- 871 local flyers from 16 districts across Gujarat.
To promote indigenous culture and cuisine, the venue will host 25 handicraft stalls and 15 food stalls, offering a platform for local artisans and culinary traditions.
Statewide Schedule
While Ahmedabad remains the central hub, the festival will expand across the state to boost tourism:
- January 10: Rajkot, Surat, and Dholavira (Kutch).
- January 11: Vadnagar, Shivrajpur, and the Statue of Unity.
- January 13: Vadodara.
Tourism Projections
According to Gujarat Tourism, the International Kite Festival has become a pivotal driver for inbound traffic. The 2025 edition successfully attracted over 3.83 lakh visitors. Building on that momentum, authorities estimate that footfall for the 2026 edition will surpass the 5-lakh mark, further cementing Gujarat’s position as a premier cultural tourism destination.