Every January, Ahmedabad’s skies transform into a vibrant canvas as kite flyers from across the world gather for the city’s iconic kite-flying festival.
Organised by the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) during Makar Sankranti, the festival is one of Ahmedabad’s biggest cultural attractions. The 2026 edition drew special attention with the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Sabrina Marshall from London, attending the festival for the third time, said the experience felt entirely different this year. Seeing Prime Minister Modi in person made the occasion memorable, she said, adding that the wind conditions were much stronger than during her earlier visits.
“I am very happy that we could fly kites for such a long time this year. The sky was completely full,” she said.
Reflecting on the spirit of the festival, Sabrina said kites bring people together beyond boundaries. “It’s important that we unite across cultures, religions and backgrounds. We all share one sky, one world and one love,” she said, ending with a smile and a bit of Gujarati: “Kai po che… but not my kite.”
Emma from Denmark, a third-time participant, said the festival still felt like a first-time experience. “Every year is different, and this year was special because I got to see PM Modi. He is a global icon,” she said.
Emma noted that there were more international participants this year. “The morning wind was good and we flew many kites, but with so many flyers, kites often got tangled. Steering was difficult at times, but the wind was excellent,” she said, adding that her team brought kites of different sizes to suit varying wind conditions. She praised the arrangements, but added with a laugh, “The food was very spicy for us. We’re used to mild flavours.”
Brian from Ireland, visiting for the second time, said the strong winds earlier in the day helped him fly several kites. “Now that the wind has dropped, there are fewer kites in the air,” he said, adding that strong winds are common back home. Asked if Ireland has a similar festival, he replied, “No, but it should. We have great beaches and plenty of wind.”
For David Guevara from Mexico, it was his first visit to Ahmedabad’s kite festival. Calling it a “magical” experience, he said, “The people are magical and the feeling of togetherness is incredible.” Speaking about his kites, he said they were inspired by the Mexican flag, manta rays and axolotls.
Comparing the festival with Mexico’s Volarte Festival held in February, David said, “Gujarat has no comparison. Gujarat is international, Gujarat is big, Gujarat is at the top.”
Konstantin Ratsos from Greece, attending for the fourth time, said he was happy to return and reconnect with friends made over the years. He shared that Greece celebrates ‘Clean Monday’, when people of all ages fly kites as part of tradition.
“Every visit here is unique. No two years are the same,” Konstantin said. This year, his team flew four manoeuvrable freestyle kites. “There are endless possibilities in the sky here,” he added.
Once again, the festival highlighted that Ahmedabad’s kite-flying tradition is not just a local celebration, but a global meeting point that brings nations together under one sky.