The Kankaria Carnival 2026 will kick off on December 25, turning the Kankaria Lakefront into a lively celebration of music, dance, culture and entertainment for seven days, culminating in a grand New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31.
Hosted across three major venues—Pushpakunj, Balvatika and Vyayam Vidyalay—the carnival will showcase a rich mix of cultural performances, live music, folk traditions, comedy shows, wellness sessions and children-centric activities. From classical and folk music to rock bands, stand-up comedy and interactive workshops, the event promises entertainment for all age groups.
Popular artistes such as Kirtidan Gadhvi, Parth Oza, Geeta Rabari and Ishani Dave will headline the evening performances, alongside themed cultural nights, DJ shows and live band concerts. Morning hours will feature yoga, meditation, fitness routines and wellness workshops, adding a healthy dimension to the festivities.
The week-long carnival is expected to attract lakhs of visitors, making it one of Ahmedabad’s biggest year-end attractions.
Key Highlights by Date
- December 25: Grand opening with a carnival parade, Gujarati-Hindi music by Kirtidan Gadhvi, live instrumental music, stand-up comedy and a rock band performance.
- December 26: Magic show, Odissi dance, live band performances, comedy acts and cultural folk dances.
- December 27: Dance academy showcases, live concert by Parth Oza, clown festival, dayro and musical night.
- December 28: Talwar Raas, school dance performances, a special Gujarati music night by Geeta Rabari, folk dances from Bengal and Maharashtra, and rock band shows.
- December 29: Police dog show, Tamil cultural programme, stand-up comedy, pet fashion show, wellness sessions and a live concert.
- December 30: Karate and self-defence acts, cleanliness drives, skating shows, Gujarati music programmes, magic shows, mime and street plays.
- December 31: Freedom fighter-themed fashion show, motivational talks, dance performances, Gujarati-Hindi music by Ishani Dave, human pyro show, DJ night and multiple cultural performances to ring in the New Year.
Daily Morning Attractions
Each day will also feature yoga, pranayam, meditation, fitness dance, laughter yoga, storytelling, music workshops, wellness talks and craft activities across all three stages, starting as early as 6 am.
With its blend of entertainment, culture and wellness, the Kankaria Carnival 2026 promises a vibrant and memorable year-end experience for visitors of all ages.