Ahmedabad hosts the largest Uttarayan celebration, when skies fill with kites on 14 January and the Gujarat Tourism International Kite Festival runs on the Sabarmati Riverfront for several days around it. Visitors can watch expert flyers or fly kites themselves from rooftops.
Uttarayan, or Makar Sankranti, is celebrated on 14 January and marks the sun's move north. In Ahmedabad it takes over the city, with rooftops in the old city packed from before dawn and kite fighting across the sky. Gujarat Tourism organises the International Kite Festival on the Sabarmati Riverfront, typically over 12 to 14 January in recent editions, with participants from many countries alongside Indian kite flyers, and a 2026 edition reported around 135 kite flyers from 50 countries. Entry to the main riverfront event is free. Kites, tapered string and accessories are sold in special kite markets such as those in Jamalpur and Raipur in the old city. The string used in kite fighting can be sharp and has caused serious injury to riders and pedestrians, so roads are hazardous, and licensed alternatives to glass-coated string are encouraged. Rooftop access is by invitation or by paid rooftop packages, and hotels in the old city sell places in advance. The city is very busy and accommodation books out early.
| Price | Free entry to the riverfront festival; kites from about INR 10-100 (approx $0.10-$1.04 USD); rooftop packages priced by hosts |
|---|---|
| Duration | A full day; the festival lasts 2-3 days |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | January |
| Address | Sabarmati Riverfront event ground and the walled city, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001, India |
Activity facts
- Where
- Sabarmati Riverfront and the old city rooftops, Ahmedabad
Equipment
- Sunglasses and cap
- Sunscreen
- Scarf to protect the neck from kite string
- Kites and string from official markets
Location
Sabarmati Riverfront event ground and the walled city, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001, India
23.0350, 72.5690 View on map
Highlights
- International Kite Festival on the Sabarmati Riverfront
- Rooftop kite fighting across the old city
- Traditional undhiyu and chikki foods of the festival
- Night skies lit by lantern kites on the second night
Tips for visiting
- Book accommodation months ahead for 12 to 15 January
- Avoid riding two-wheelers on 14 January because of the kite string risk
- Wear sunglasses and a hat for a day on a rooftop or riverfront
- Buy kites from official markets and avoid glass-coated string
When to visit
12 to 14 January, from sunrise to late afternoon.
Accessibility
The riverfront ground is flat and open; rooftop viewing typically requires climbing narrow stairs.
Frequently asked questions
When is Uttarayan?
14 January each year, with the international festival typically spanning about 12 to 14 January.
Is entry free?
Entry to the main riverfront event is normally free.
Is it dangerous to be on the road?
Yes. Kite string can injure riders and pedestrians, so covered transport is safer on the festival days.