Welcome to the vibrant canvas of the Ahmedabad International Kite Festival 2024, a spectacular celebration of color, culture, and creativity that paints the sky with an array of shapes and colors. Hosted by Gujarat Tourism, this marks the 33rd edition of the annual event, scheduled from January 7, 2024, to January 14, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As the sun rises over the Sabarmati Riverfront, decorated by the iconic Vallabh Sadan Temple, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad, the festival unfolds with an inauguration by the esteemed Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendrabhai Patel, at 8 am on January 7th. Joined by State Tourism Minister Shri Mulabhai Bera, Chief Minister Patel will not only inaugurate the festivities but also take to the skies, actively participating in kite flying to kindle the spirit of the event.
This year, the festival promises an international flair with 153 kite flyers from 55 countries, alongside 68 national participants from 12 Indian states and an impressive 865 local enthusiasts from 23 cities in Gujarat. Get ready to be enthralled as the sky transforms into a mesmerizing canvas, displaying the variety of creativity of kite flyers from around the globe. The Ahmedabad International Kite Festival 2024 is not just an event; it’s a symphony of cultures, a thrilling adventure that supports the spirit of friendship among kite lovers and is a monument to unity in diversity.
International Kite Festival 2024 Ahmedabad Dates and Schedule:
Refer to the comprehensive table below for an in-depth description of the thrilling International Kite Festival 2024 schedule, which runs from January 7th to January 14th, and the various venues throughout Ahmedabad. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid missing out on this global celebration of kites and culture!
Dates | Venue |
January 7, 2024 | Inauguration at Ahmedabad |
January 8, 2024 | Vadodara and Ahmedabad |
January 9, 2024 | Ahmedabad, Kevadiya, Dwarka |
January 10, 2024 | Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot |
January 11, 2024 | Ahmedabad, Dhordo, Vadnagar |
January 12, 2024 | Nadabet and Ahmedabad |
January 13th and 14th | Ahmedabad |
This international kite festival in 2024 will feature a number of national and international teams. These are the information:
Date | Team A | Team B | Team C | Team D | Total |
International | 37 | 38 | 35 | 43 | 153 |
National | 14 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 68 |
Totoal Teams | 51 | 52 | 53 | 65 | 221 |
January 7, 2024 | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | |
January 8, 2024 | Vadodara | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | |
January 9, 2024 | Kevadia | Dwarka | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | |
January 10, 2024 | Surat | Rajkot | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | |
January 11, 2024 | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Dhordo | Vadnagar | |
January 12, 2024 | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Nadabet | |
January 13, 2024 | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | |
January 14, 2024 | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad |
Global Participation and G20 Theme:
The International Kite Festival 2024 is set to break records this year, with 126 kitists from 53 countries, making it truly international. The G20 theme adds a unique touch, highlighting global unity and cooperation. The festival is a symbol of international harmony and collaboration as well as a celebration of kites.
The participants in this vibrant Ahmedabad Kite Festival 2024 create a dynamic and broad tapestry of talent that unites fans from all over the world. A wide variety of cultures will take to the skies as 153 kite flyers representing 55 countries enjoy the occasion. These international competitors, who represent countries ranging from Vietnam to Argentina, will showcase their home countries’ decorative and cultural traditions while creating an engaging and numerous narrative through their kites.
Statewide Celebrations:
Additionally, the festival takes pride in hosting 68 skilled kite flyers from 12 Indian states, including Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. Each participant from these states contributes a unique regional flair to the festival, adding a colorful touch to the overall spectacle.
Furthermore, the heart of the competition lies in the spirited participation of 865 kite flyers from 23 cities in Gujarat. From the bustling streets of Ahmedabad to the serene corners of Sabarkantha, these local participants, including cities like Bhavnagar, Surat, and Vadodara, infuse the festival with a sense of community and showcase the skillful craftsmanship that Gujarat is renowned for.
Together, this diverse assembly of participants transforms the Ahmedabad International Kite Festival into a truly global celebration of the ancient art of kite flying.
Uttarayan: A Unique Gujarati Tradition
Uttarayan, Gujarat’s heart and soul, reveals an unique and fascinating tradition that paints the skies with an array of colours. This festival, held during the Hindu calendar’s transition from winter to summer, particularly on Makar Sankranti, transforms the state into a canvas of kites from dawn until well after dark. The air is filled with a composition of flying kites of various shapes and sizes.
International Flavor Since 1989
Ahmedabad has hosted the International Kite Festival as part of the official Uttarayan celebrations since 1989. Popular kite makers and flyers from around the world display their special creations, giving this traditional festival a global feel. Wau-balang kites from Malaysia, llayang-llayang from Indonesia, and innovative designs from the United States, Japan, Italy, and elsewhere are of particular interest.
Witness the Magic of Ahmedabad’s Kite Festival:
Conclusion:
The International Kite Festival 2024 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, promises to be a mesmerizing blend of tradition, culture, and international camaraderie. As kites fill the skies, participants and spectators alike will experience the joy and beauty of this age-old tradition, making memories that will last a lifetime. So, gear up for a week of festivities and let the kites soar high in the spirit of unity and celebration!
Image Source: Gujarat Tourism
FAQs:
The festival takes place at the Sabarmati riverfront near Vallabh Sadan in Ahmedabad.
The festival is themed around the G20, symbolizing global unity and cooperation.
A total of 53 countries are represented by 126 kitists in the festival.
Yes, similar events are planned in cities like Vadodara, Vadnagar, Kevadiya, Dwarka, Surat, Somnath, Rajkot, Dholera, and Kutch.
The festival activities will take place between 10 am and 5 pm from January 8th to January 14th.
Details about entry fees can be found on the official festival website.
Yes, there will be an exhibition at the riverfront showcasing the history of kite-making, and vendors will likely sell kite supplies.
[…] Ahmedabad International Kite Festival […]