Ahmedabad: As the year concludes, Ahmedabad transforms into a vibrant hub of music and lights with the arrival of the Kankaria Carnival. This annual week-long celebration at Kankaria Lake brings the city together for a grand display of culture, community spirit, and festive cheer.
For locals and tourists alike, the carnival offers a break from daily routine, creating a space for memorable holiday experiences. With free admission, celebrity performances, culinary delights, and dazzling illuminations, Kankaria Carnival 2025 captures the city’s festive energy.
Dates and Timings for 2025
Event Dates: December 25 to December 31, 2025
Daily Timings: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM (activities vary by session)
The festival officially commenced on December 25 at 7:00 PM with an inauguration ceremony at Pushp Kunj (Stage 1), presided over by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. This set the stage for a week filled with cultural showcases and entertainment.
Understanding Ahmedabad’s Premier Cultural Event
Organized annually by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), the Kankaria Carnival occupies the final week of December. Since the lakefront’s redevelopment in 2008, the event has evolved into one of Gujarat’s most popular gatherings. It serves as a comprehensive year-end celebration featuring live concerts, cultural performances, comedy acts, drone spectacles, food stalls, and children’s activities, appealing to diverse age groups from families to youth.
Venue and Location
Location: Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad
Nearest Metro: Kankaria East Metro Station
During the carnival, the lakefront becomes a sprawling cultural venue with designated zones for food, activities, and performances, all connected by illuminated walkways.
Key Attractions for 2025
This year’s edition introduces several new features alongside traditional favorites:
- Debut Attraction: Pyro Show
- Advanced Drone Show
- Laser Shows and Musical Fountain
- Light and Sound Shows
- Pet Fashion Show
Stage Highlights:
- Stage 1 (Pushp Kunj): Major concerts, celebrity acts, and official ceremonies.
- Stage 2 (Balvatika): Children’s workshops, competitions, and games.
- Stage 3 (Vyayam Vidyalaya): Youth-centric events including dance performances, fitness activities, DJ sets, and live bands.
(Note: Schedules may vary; checking onsite displays is recommended.)
Entry and Visiting Tips
Ticket Price: Free Entry
Best Times to Visit:
- Morning (6:00 AM+): Ideal for fitness enthusiasts interested in yoga, Zumba, and meditation by the lake.
- Afternoon: Geared towards shopping at handicraft stalls and enjoying the food courts in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Evening/Night: The peak time for entertainment, featuring live concerts, laser displays, and the highly anticipated nightly drone show at 10:00 PM.
Artist Lineup (Live Performances)
Evenings will feature performances by renowned artists:
- Dec 26: Sanket Khandekar Band
- Dec 27: Parth Oza
- Dec 28: Geeta Rabari
- Dec 29: Comedy Night with Manan Desai, Om Bhatt, Deep Vaidya, and Chirayu Mistry
- Dec 30: Brijdan Gadhvi
- Dec 31: Ishani Dave
Daily Schedule of Activities
The carnival offers a structured flow throughout the day:
- Morning: Wellness sessions including yoga, aerobics, and Zumba.
- Afternoon: Culinary experiences featuring Gujarati and global cuisine, plus handicraft shopping.
- Evening: Cultural shows, musical fountains, and major performances.
- Permanent Attractions: Kids City, Toy Train, Nocturnal Zoo, and Butterfly Garden remain accessible.
Accessibility
Reaching the venue is convenient:
- By Road: Auto-rickshaws are widely available.
- By Bus: Located 10 minutes from Geeta Mandir Bus Station.
- By Train: Maninagar Railway Station is situated just 1 km away.
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