Kite Festival Gujarat 2026 – Dates, Hotels, Prices & Travel Guide for Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti Gujarat 2026 is one of the most vibrant festivals in India, celebrated with great enthusiasm across the state. The International Kite Festival in Gujarat turns the skies of Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot into a colorful spectacle, attracting travelers from all over the country. Tourists can participate in kite-flying competitions, enjoy traditional Gujarat festive foods like Undhiyu, Chikki, and Til Ladoo, and witness cultural programs with folk music and dance. The festival is not only about kites but also about celebrating the harvest season, community bonding, and Gujarat’s rich heritage. Travelers can choose from a wide range of hotels, from luxury stays like The House of MG Ahmedabad and Vivanta by Taj Vadodara to budget-friendly options like Hotel Shiva Palace in Bhuj. With affordable travel, delicious local cuisine, and a lively atmosphere, the Kite Festival Gujarat 2026 promises an unforgettable experience for families, solo travelers, and festival enthusiasts alike.
About Makar Sankranti & Kite Festival
Festival Dates: January 14, 2026
Location: Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot)
Significance: Marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn (Makar Rashi), celebrating the harvest season. It is a festival of joy, new beginnings, and community gatherings.
Kite Festival Highlights: Sky filled with thousands of colorful kites, kite-flying competitions, cultural programs, music, and traditional food stalls.
Best Cities to Experience the Kite Festival
Ahmedabad
Famous for its International Kite Festival at Sabarmati Riverfront.
Thousands of kites, workshops, and cultural events.
Evening cultural performances with folk music and dances.
Bhuj
Offers a traditional rural vibe with local kite-flying competitions.
Perfect for photography enthusiasts and cultural explorers.
Surat & Vadodara
City rooftops become lively, and public parks host competitions.
Street food stalls serving local delicacies like Undhiyu and Gujia.
Rajkot
Smaller, yet vibrant, with local kite-flying competitions and music events.
Ideal for families and solo travelers looking for a less crowded experience.
Things to Do During the Festival
Fly Kites: Participate in kite-flying competitions; kites can range from Rs100 to Rs2,000 depending on size and design.
Taste Festive Food: Try local treats like Undhiyu, Chikki, Gujia, and Til Ladoo; expect to spend around Rs200–Rs500 per person.
Cultural Programs: Attend traditional dances, folk music performances, and workshops on kite-making.
Photography & Sightseeing: Capture the spectacular skyline dotted with kites; visit nearby attractions like Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.
Shopping: Buy traditional handicrafts, textiles, and kites as souvenirs.
Accommodation & Hotel Recommendations
Ahmedabad
The House of MG: Luxury heritage hotel in central Ahmedabad – Rs7,000–Rs12,000 per night.
Lemon Tree Hotel, Ahmedabad: Comfortable stay with city views – Rs4,000–Rs6,000 per night.
Surat
The Grand Bhagwati, Surat: Luxury stay near city center – Rs5,000–Rs9,000 per night.
Hotel Regal Palace: Budget-friendly with rooftop views – Rs2,500–Rs4,000 per night.
Vadodara
Vivanta by Taj, Vadodara: Premium stay near airport – Rs6,000–Rs10,000 per night.
Hotel Express Inn: Affordable, cozy, Rs2,000–Rs3,500 per night.
Bhuj
Regenta Resort Bhuj: Comfortable stay with local ambiance – Rs4,000–Rs7,000 per night.
Hotel Shiva Palace: Budget-friendly, Rs1,500–Rs3,000 per night.
Estimated Costs for Festival Travel – Makar Sankranti & Kite Festival Gujarat 2026
Flights (Delhi to Ahmedabad): Rs4,000 – Rs8,000 (one way, depending on booking time).
Local Transport (per day): Rs500 – Rs1,000 (auto-rickshaws, cabs, or local buses).
Food (per person, per day): Rs200 – Rs500 (street food and local restaurants).
Kite Purchase: Rs100 – Rs2,000 (small kites to large designer kites).
Hotels (per night): Rs1,500 – Rs12,000 (budget stays to luxury heritage hotels).
Cultural Events / Entry Fees: Rs100 – Rs500 (folk shows, exhibitions, workshops).
Tips for Travelers
Book Early: January is peak festival season; hotels fill quickly.
Carry Sun Protection: The kite festival happens in open areas, so sunscreen and sunglasses are a must.
Local Transport: Use auto-rickshaws or local cabs; parking is limited near the festival grounds.
Respect Local Traditions: Dress modestly and follow local customs while participating in the festival.
Stay Hydrated: Gujarat can be sunny in January afternoons despite the winter chill.
Why You Should Attend
Witness India’s largest kite festival with a spectacular skyline of colors.
Experience Gujarat’s rich culture, food, and hospitality.
Great opportunity for family vacations, photography, and adventure.
Affordable travel with hotels and local food for every budget.
FAQs-About Makar Sankranti & Kite Festival
Q1. When is Makar Sankranti & Kite Festival in Gujarat 2026?
The festival will be celebrated on 14th January 2026 across Gujarat, with the biggest celebrations in Ahmedabad at the Sabarmati Riverfront.
Q2. Which city is best to enjoy the Kite Festival in Gujarat?
Ahmedabad is the most popular city for the International Kite Festival Gujarat 2026, but Bhuj, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot also host lively celebrations.
Q3. What is the entry fee for the Kite Festival Gujarat 2026?
Most public kite-flying events are free to watch. Cultural shows and workshops may have tickets ranging from Rs100–Rs500.
Q4. How much does it cost to buy kites in Gujarat during Makar Sankranti?
Kites are available in all sizes and designs. Prices usually start from Rs100 and can go up to Rs2,000 for designer kites.
Q5. What are the famous foods to try during Makar Sankranti in Gujarat 2026?
Don’t miss Undhiyu, Til Ladoo, Chikki, and Gujia, which are traditional delicacies prepared during the festival.
Q6. What are the best hotels to stay in Gujarat during the Kite Festival?
In Ahmedabad: The House of MG, Lemon Tree Hotel
In Vadodara: Vivanta by Taj, Hotel Express Inn
In Surat: The Grand Bhagwati, Hotel Regal Palace
In Bhuj: Regenta Resort, Hotel Shiva Palace
Q7. Is it safe for tourists to attend the Kite Festival in Gujarat?
Yes, the Makar Sankranti & Kite Festival Gujarat 2026 is family-friendly and safe. Just carry sun protection, stay hydrated, and book hotels in advance.
