Kite Flying Festival In India

Created by Harsh Sonawala,

Last Updated on September 29, 2023

The kite flying festival in India falls on 14th of January every year, marking the arrival of spring and the transition of the sun into the Makara Rashi (the Capricorn zodiac sign). In quite a few states in India, Makar Sankranti is considered as a major harvest festival. It’s significance lies in it’s commemoration of Goddess Sankranti’s triumph over evil and the brutal Rakshasa Sankarasur (demon), who would torture and kill humans.

It is also a festival where people come together in celebration and bury their hatchets, offering each other sweets in a joyous atmosphere. In this article, you will read all about the kite flying festival in India and hit us up to witness this spectacle in person.

Click here to understand what the weather is like in India in the month of January.

Kite flying festival in India Makar Sankranti is a festival that promotes friendship, family and togetherness (Photo Credit – Andrea Kirkby)

How is the KITE FLYING festival celebrated in India?

Makar Sankranti is a fun and delightful occasion. Like many other Indian festivals, the kite flying festival also has a historical and cultural significance attached to it. This festival is worth witnessing for two main reasons.

For one, flying colourful kites with your family or buddies under the morning sun from a rooftop is an unbeatable experience. The joy of flying kites and cutting the strings of other kites is unmatched, and the air of celebration is euphoric. It is a tradition during this festival to offer a Til-Gul Laddoo (sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery) to your close ones. A common saying in the Marathi language is: ‘Til-Gul ghya aani goad bol bola’, otherwise meaning ‘have these Til-Gul sweets and speak sweet words’.

The kite flying tradition is so famous that people also organise recreational competitions during this festival. How cool would it be to be the last one standing? Or rather, to be the owner of the last kite flying!

Travel Wisdom: Essential Tips for US Tourists in India

Kite flying festival in India There’s nothing like flying a kite from terraces and rooftops (Photo Credit – Penn-State)

When and which parts of India celebrate the KITE FLYING FESTIVAL?

North India is the places to be for the Kite Flying Festival. Festivities take place on the 14th of January. The spirit of The Kite Flying Festival can be witnessed in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Mumbai is another city where you can witness witness this as well.

Jodhpur is a magnificent city and a beautiful place to travel in its own right. But, the sight of the city during this occasion will leave you awe-struck. Witnessing a thousand colourful kites taking over the morning skies is an experience! You will find every rooftop raided by enthusiastic kids and elders alike.

Just like Jodhpur, Udaipur is a city where the spirit of The Kite Flying Festival is as high as it gets. People flying kites from their rooftops make no attempt in hiding their excited smiles as kites of every shape and size can be seen in the air.

Ahmedabad and Jaisalmer are two other cities where The Kite Flying Festival is a prominent occasion.

Read on: Understanding Travel Costs in India

We definitely recommend being in North India for the Kite Flying Festival, you can browse through our two week travel routes here.

Kite flying festival in India The colourful kite utsav in Gujarat (Photo Credit – Kaushik Patel)

Precautions to take

Nobody wants a good moment to turn sour because of a mishap. Just be aware, there is no reason for you to be alarmed! The strings (manja) used to fly the kites can cause cuts if you run through it quickly because they are coated with abrasive substances. So make sure you avoid getting in any such situations. Also, there are always people flying kites in the streets and there are moments where the kites plummet downwards. Always be aware of your surroundings. Ensure that you don’t trip over or run through any of the strings that might come in your way.

The Kite Flying Festival has religious and cultural significance attached to it (Photo Credit – Nevil Zaveri)

All in all, the celebration for Makar Sankranti in India is very prominent. It creates an environment across the country which brings out the child in everyone. If you intend on experiencing the kite flying festival in India, let us know. We will accommodate you in North India, preferably in a homestay. This way, you can feel like you belong as you partake in the festivities with an Indian family. Click on Plan Your Trip for your ideal itinerary.

helping you travel your way

Everything you need to know about India is here We have tried writing about everything you may need help with for your trip to India, If you need help in planning a trip to India Get in touch with us to to plan your trip of a life time.

find out how