Quick answer
Gujarat's kite season peaks on Uttarayan, 14 January, and Vasi Uttarayan, 15 January, when every rooftop in Ahmedabad's old city fills with kite fliers. The state's International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront usually runs in the days just before. Book an old-city terrace or heritage home for the 14th, and hotels three to four weeks ahead.
Highlights
- Rooftop kite battles across Ahmedabad's old-city pols
- Giant display kites from international fliers at the Sabarmati Riverfront
- Undhiyu, jalebi, chikki and sesame laddoos on every terrace
- Paper lanterns flown on kite strings after dark
- The Patang Bazaar in the old city on the nights before
What actually happens
Uttarayan, Gujarat's name for Makar Sankranti, marks the sun's move north, and the state celebrates by flying kites from dawn to dark. On 14 January and Vasi Uttarayan on 15 January, every rooftop in Ahmedabad's old city fills with families, music and piles of kites, and the sky becomes a dogfight: the aim is to cut rivals' strings with your own glass-coated manja, followed by shouts of kai po che. Food is half the point, with undhiyu, jalebi, chikki and sesame laddoos. After dark, paper lanterns are flown on kite strings.
The Gujarat government's International Kite Festival, usually at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad in the days before Uttarayan, brings kite fliers from many countries with giant display kites. Entry is free, and smaller editions are held in other cities. On the nights before, the Patang Bazaar near Raipur Darwaja stays open late selling kites and spools.
The best days
Spend 14 January on an old-city rooftop; that is the real festival. Visit the Riverfront event on a weekday before it, in the morning when the wind is steadier.
Where to stay and what it costs
Mid-range hotels in Ahmedabad cost ₹3,500–7,000 a night in Uttarayan week. Heritage homes in the old-city pols, at ₹5,000–12,000 a night, come with the best terraces and sell out a couple of months ahead. Several operators sell terrace day passes with kites and lunch for about ₹1,500–5,000 per person. Book hotels three to four weeks ahead.
Safety
Manja cuts are a real hazard. Riders on two-wheelers suffer neck injuries every year, so avoid riding on 14–15 January or wrap a scarf around your neck. Wear finger guards or tape when flying, keep children off terraces without railings, and watch your footing when chasing kites. Many birds are injured too; the state's Karuna Abhiyan runs rescue helplines. Nylon and Chinese manja are banned.
Photography and what to wear
Ask families before photographing them on their terraces; most will invite you to join. January is about 28°C by day and 12°C at night, so bring a cap, sunglasses, sunscreen and a light jacket for the evening.
Combining it
Pair Uttarayan with the Rann of Kutch, Rani ki Vav at Patan and the Modhera Sun Temple. See things to do in Gujarat, the best time to visit Gujarat, our January ideas and the festival calendar.
Frequently asked questions
When is Uttarayan in 2027?
Where is the best place to experience Uttarayan in Ahmedabad?
Is kite flying safe for children?
Can I combine Uttarayan with the Rann Utsav?
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
