As the nation celebrates Makar Sankranti and Uttarayan, millions of Indians have taken to their rooftops to participate in the traditional Kite Festival. The festivities for 2026 are grander than ever, with major events kicking off in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Telangana.
However, amidst the joy, there is a serious warning from authorities regarding safety. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration in Ahmedabad to strict High Court orders banning “Chinese Manjha,” here is the complete report on the International Kite Festival 2026.
Gujarat: The Epicenter of Uttarayan 2026
The biggest celebration is currently underway in Gujarat. The International Kite Festival 2026 was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12 at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.
- Global Participation: This year, the event has broken records with 135 international kite flyers from 50 different countries participating. They are joined by 65 national flyers and over 800 local enthusiasts.
- Key Venues: While Ahmedabad is the main hub (Jan 12–14), the festival is also being celebrated in Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, and the Statue of Unity (Ekta Nagar).
- Night Flying: A major attraction this year is the “Tukkal” (illuminated kites) flying at night, where kites with LED lights create a stunning visual against the dark sky.
Jaipur & Hyderabad Join the Party
It is not just Gujarat; the festive spirit has taken over other states as well.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
The “Pink City” is hosting its famous Kite Festival from January 14 to January 16, 2026.
- Venue: The main competitions are held at the Jaipur Polo Grounds.
- Highlights: Tourists are flocking to the Jal Mahal lakefront to watch the “Kite Wars,” where flyers compete to cut each other’s strings. The event concludes with a prize distribution ceremony at the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Hyderabad, Telangana
The International Kite and Sweet Festival 2026 is being held at the Secunderabad Parade Grounds from January 13 to 15.
- Double Treat: Along with kite flying, the state is hosting a “Sweet Festival” featuring traditional homemade desserts from various Indian states and foreign countries.
- Drone Show: For the first time, a special drone show and hot air balloon display have been added to the schedule for January 16-17.
The “Chinese Manjha” Warning: High Court Gets Strict
While the festival is about joy, it has a dangerous side. The use of “Chinese Manjha” (synthetic glass-coated string) has already caused fatal accidents this week.
- The Danger: Unlike cotton thread, nylon manjha does not break easily. It is sharp enough to cut through human skin and is a major threat to birds and two-wheeler riders.
- High Court Order: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a strict directive this week. It stated that if a minor is caught flying a kite with banned manjha, their parents can be held legally responsible.
- Police Action: Police in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam have seized thousands of reels of banned manjha in the last 48 hours. Authorities have urged citizens to use only “sada dhaga” (cotton thread).
Why Do We Celebrate This?
The Kite Festival coincides with Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival that marks the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar).
- Scientific Reason: Traditionally, people spent hours in the morning sun flying kites to soak up Vitamin D after a long, cold winter.
- Cultural Symbol: The kite symbolizes “awakening” and the human spirit soaring high. The cutting of kites represents friendly competition and letting go of the past.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Until when is the International Kite Festival 2026 in Ahmedabad?
The official events at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad conclude on January 14, 2026. However, local celebrations continue in various cities until the weekend.
Q: Is entry free for the Jaipur and Hyderabad Kite Festivals?
Yes, entry to the Jaipur Polo Grounds and Secunderabad Parade Grounds is generally free for the public to watch the displays.
Q: What is Chinese Manjha and why is it banned?
Chinese Manjha is a nylon or plastic thread coated with glass or metal dust. It is banned because it is non-biodegradable and extremely sharp, often causing fatal throat cuts to bikers and birds.
Q: Can I fly a kite at night?
Yes, but only in designated safe areas. In Gujarat, night kite flying with paper lanterns (Tukkals) is a popular tradition.
Q: Which other states celebrate this festival?
Apart from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Telangana, the festival is widely celebrated in Punjab (as Lohri), Tamil Nadu (as Pongal), and Assam (as Bihu).