Makar Sankranti 2026: Best Kite Festivals in Ahmedabad, Jaipur & Hyderabad

Makar Sankranti 2026, the kite festival of India, arrives on 14 January 2026, marking the Sun’s northward journey and kicking off India’s most sky-painted celebration. But where should you go for the best kite festivals in January 2026? Sankranti festival is celebrated nationwide with consistent enthusiasm for flying kites and eating ladoos. Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Hyderabad lead the pack, each offering a distinct cultural flavour, iconic venues, and unforgettable skies. For scale and spectacle, choose Ahmedabad’s International Kite Festival (Uttarayan). For royal backdrops and postcard photos, Jaipur shines. For family-friendly fun with regional warmth, Hyderabad delivers the joy of Sankranti.

About Sankranti Festival: Meaning, Date & Why Kites Matter

Makar Sankranti is one of India’s few festivals fixed by the solar calendar, celebrated when the Sun enters Capricorn (Makara), symbolising longer days, harvest gratitude, and new beginnings. Across India, the celebration of Makar Sankranti takes regional forms. It is known as Magh Bihu in Assam, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, andPoush Sankranti in Kolkata. In Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan and Telangana, it transforms into a full-blown kite festival, where rooftops and riverfronts become arenas of friendly competition.

But why kites? Traditionally, kite flying welcomes the Sun, encourages time outdoors in winter, and celebrates community. Today, it also showcases artistry like dragon kite designs, big kites of animals or cartoons, and even giant kites (up to 11 feet or more) for spectacle, often flown with special spools of string called Firki, highlighting a vibrant, synchronised unity.

Makar Sankranti 2026 date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026.

Kite Festival India: What Makes These Three Cities Unmissable

1. Ahmedabad: International Kite Festival 2026 (Uttarayan)

Also known as the kite capital of India, Ahmedabad brings its crown jewel, the ‘Uttarayan 2026’. Millions of colourful kites fill the sky as families and communities gather on rooftops, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. 

The International Kite Festival adds a global dimension, attracting participants from around the world. Traditional Gujarati foods like undhiyu, jalebi-fafda, and sesame sweets enhance the festive spirit. Pleasant winter weather and glowing lantern kites in the evening make the celebrations last all day. 

From dawn battles on rooftops to choreographed displays at the Sabarmati Riverfront, the city turns skyward. Expect international teams, precision flying, and record-setting big kites.

Dates, Venues & Timings (2026)

• Dates: 12–14 January 2026 (peak on 14 Jan)
• Venues: Sabarmati Riverfront, city rooftops, Patang Bazaar
• Timings: Morning sessions from 6:30 am; evening/night shows post-sunset

How do I reach Ahmedabad?

• Major Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD)
• Nearest Railway Station: Ahmedabad Junction – Kalupur Railway Station
• Nearest Bus Stand: Ahmedabad Central Bus Station

Signature Highlights

• International teams from Asia, Europe, and the Americas
• Night kite shows with LED-lit lines
• Kai Po Che cutting contests (kite flying, Gujarat style)
• Workshops for kids and first-timers

Food, Markets & Culture

Streets and stalls offer seasonal sweets like gajak and til laddoos, while parks and the Sabarmati Riverfront become hubs for family picnics and kite battles. Folk music, cultural performances, and early morning river rituals add a traditional touch, and acts of sharing and charity highlight the community spirit. The city blends vibrant visuals, flavours, and customs, making it a truly immersive festival experience. Warm up with undhiyu, jalebi, til chikki, and winter snacks. Shop for spools, glass-coated manja (where permitted), and eco-friendly lines at Patang Bazaar. Staying more in Ahmedabad, take a look at Remarkable Places to Visit in Ahmedabad for First Timers

2. Jaipur: The Kite Festival in Jaipur

‘The pink city’ is coloured in more than just pink during Makar Sankranti as the city’s skies transform into a vibrant canvas of thousands of colourful kites. Pleasant January weather creates perfect conditions for day-long kite flying across sunlit rooftops. The Kite Festival is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaipur and adds a global touch with cultural performances and international flyers. Historic landmarks like Hawa Mahal and Nahargarh Fort provide a regal backdrop to the celebrations. 

Traditional sweets, rooftop gatherings, and night kites make the festival deeply immersive and uniquely Jaipur. The city’s sandstone hues and palace silhouettes elevate every frame.

Dates, Venues & Timings (2026)

• Dates: 14–16 January 2026
• Venues: Jal Mahal area, Polo Ground, old city rooftops
• Timings: Late morning to sunset

How do I reach Jaipur?

• Major Airport: Jaipur International Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Jaipur Junction
• Nearest Bus Stand: Sindhi Camp Bus Station

What Sets Jaipur Apart

• Cultural programs alongside kite events
• Family-friendly competitions
• Craft stalls and Rajasthani folk performances

Food & Festivities

Beyond kites, Makar Sankranti in Jaipur is marked by early-morning snaan–daan rituals at temples and stepwells. Local markets transform into buzzing kite and manjha bazaars in the days leading up to the festival. Homes celebrate with til-based winter foods like gajak, chakki, and bajra roti. Neighbourhood rooftop rivalries add a lively community spirit. Acts of charity and feeding birds and cows highlight the festival’s deeper cultural values. Don’t miss ghewar, til laddoos, and winter kachoris.

Best places to stay in Jaipur

Kachnaar Villa

Set amid lush greenery, Kachnaar Villa is a serene retreat where delicate blooms, rustic charm and modern minimalism come together effortlessly. With elegant black-and-white interiors, well-appointed rooms and a sprawling lawn for relaxed outdoor moments, it offers a peaceful escape for small families seeking comfort, privacy and quiet luxury.

Amenities and experiences:

• Bonfire
• Lawn
• Indoor/Outdoor Games
• Wheelchair friendly
• Parking space

Mystic Castle

Mystic Castle in Jaipur offers a distinctive stay inspired by a traditional desert fortress, paired with warm Rajasthani hospitality. With thoughtfully designed interiors, a lush, manicured lawn, a serene swimming pool and a terrace perfect for candlelit dinners, it promises a truly memorable escape.

Amenities include:

• Swimming pool
• BBQ
• Bonfire
• Balcony/Terrace
• Gazebo

Priana

This luxurious Jaipur villa blends modern elegance with indulgent comforts. A sprawling lawn, sun-lit pool, stylish living spaces, a private gym and six plush bedrooms set the scene. Add musical evenings by the gazebo, and Priana becomes a stay filled with refined leisure and unforgettable moments. If swimming pool is really your thing, do check out our guide on Ultimate Getaway at Luxury Pool Villas in Jaipur.

Amenities include: 

• Swimming pool
• BBQ
• Bonfire
• Balcony/Terrace
• Gazebo

3. Hyderabad: Community Celebrations on Parade Grounds and Sankranti Sambaralu

Hyderabad becomes truly unmissable during Makar Sankranti 2026 as the city bursts into colour with massive kite-flying celebrations and international festivals. The skies come alive at places like Parade Grounds, while rooftops across the city turn into lively social hubs. Cultural fairs such as Shilparamam’s Sankranti Sambaralu showcase folk music, crafts and traditional performances. Sweet festivals and festive delicacies add a rich culinary layer to the celebrations. With multi-day festivities like Bhogi and Kanuma, the city perfectly blends age-old Telugu traditions with its modern, cosmopolitan spirit.

Hyderabad’s Sankranti vibe blends community warmth with organised events. Open grounds make it great for beginners and families.

Dates, Venues & Timings (2026)

• Dates: 13–15 January 2026
• Venues: Secunderabad Parade Grounds, neighbourhood rooftops
• Timings: Afternoon to sunset

How do I reach Hyderabad?

• Major Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Hyderabad Deccan railway station
• Nearest Bus Stand: Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS), Jubilee Bus Station (JBS)

What sets Hyderabad apart?

• Gangireddulu processions and Haridasulu performances.
• Vibrant rangoli patterns in homes and streets showcase Muggu art
• Bhogi bonfires & community spirit

Local highlights

Pair kite flying with sankranti muggulu (rangoli), til-gud sweets, and hearty Telangana fare. Beyond kites and main festivals, Hyderabad’s Sankranti celebrations shine through deeply local traditions. Streets and homes come alive with colourful muggulu (rangoli), Bhogi bonfires and folk rituals like Gangireddulu processions. Local markets buzz with Sankranti snacks such as sakinalu and festive essentials. Craft melas and neighbourhood gatherings add a warm, community-led charm that reflects Telangana’s rural roots within the city.

Where to Stay in Hyderabad?

Lazy Mango

Nestled amid lush mango orchards with a tranquil lake nearby, Lazy Mango is a cosy two-bedroom retreat made for slow, unhurried living. Sun-filled interiors, restful bedrooms and inviting outdoor sit-outs set the tone for effortless relaxation. Whether it’s a quiet dip in the pool or simply soaking in the calm, every moment here flows naturally and feels perfectly at ease.
Amenities include:

• Lawn
• Private Pool
• Gazebo
• Workstation
• Music System

Zen Grove

Zen Grove is a serene three-bedroom villa in Hyderabad, overlooking scenic hills and a tranquil lake. With earthy interiors, manicured lawns, and inviting sit-outs, it offers a calm retreat. A terrace, viewing deck, and indoor games add to a stay that balances nature, comfort, and leisurely indulgence.
Amenities include:

• Bonfire
• BBQ
• Lawn
• Gazebo
• Indoor/Outdoor Games

Evaarah

Evaarah is a thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom villa in Hyderabad, surrounded by sweeping hill and lake views. Earthy aesthetics, a private pool with deck, and a manicured lawn set the tone for slow, scenic living. The 360-degree terrace and indoor games make it a perfect blend of comfort, leisure, and standout views.
Amenities include:

• Lawn
• Balcony/Terrace
• Private Pool
• Bonfire

Beyond the Big Three: Regional Variations to Know

4. Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh): Magh Mela & Kumbh Mela

Prayagraj doesn’t compete on kite flying, but it stands unparalleled in spiritual magnitude during Makar Sankranti 2026. Every year, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati hosts the Magh Mela, which begins on Makar Sankranti and continues for several weeks. In years aligned with the larger cycle, this energy scales into the legendary Kumbh Mela, making Sankranti the most auspicious bathing day.

What to do in Prayagraj:

• Shahi Snan (royal bath) at the Sangam on 14 January 2026
• Akharas, saints, and spiritual discourses
• Dawn rituals instead of kite flying

How do I reach Prayagraj?

• Major Airport: Prayagraj Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Prayagraj Junction

Nearest Bus Stand: Prayagraj Bus Stand

Where to stay?

Vintage Varanasi by The Ganges

Vintage Varanasi by the Ganges is a four-bedroom riverside villa that blends heritage-inspired elegance with quiet luxury, just steps away from the city’s iconic ghats. Tucked into a peaceful lane, it offers a rare mix of spiritual immersion and privacy, with a meditation room and a 300-year-old temple. Thoughtful comforts, home-style meals, and indoor games complete a stay that feels both soulful and indulgent.
Amenities include:

• Internet Connectivity
• Music System
• Parking Space
• CCTV Surveillance
• Indoor/Outdoor Games

Arcadian Manor

Set amid Varanasi’s tranquil landscape, Arcadian Manor is a three-bedroom luxury villa with refined, modern-minimalist interiors and sweeping views of lush orchards. Sunlit spaces open onto an expansive lawn, complemented by a plush indoor pool and a dedicated games zone. From cosy BBQ evenings to bonfire gatherings under the stars, it offers an indulgent escape rooted in timeless serenity.
Amenities include:

• Bonfire
• BBQ
• Lawn
• Private Pool
• Balcony/Terrace

The Vara House

The Vara House is a contemporary 14-bedroom villa in Varanasi, offering spacious comfort and refined interiors for large groups. With calming city views, modern amenities and easy access to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, it blends convenience, privacy and understated luxury for a seamless stay.
Amenities:

• Heater
• Workstation
• Parking Space
• Wadrobe
• Indoor/Outdoor Games

5. Amritsar (Punjab): Lohri, Basant Panchami and Punjabi Winter

In Punjab, Makar Sankranti overlaps with Lohri, one of North India’s most vibrant winter festivals. Celebrated on the night before Sankranti, it marks the end of peak winter and the arrival of longer days. While kite flying is not central here, the festival’s energy, music, and communal warmth make Amritsar a cultural standout.

What to do in Amritsar:

• Bonfire rituals with sesame, jaggery, peanuts, and popcorn
• Bhangra and Gidda performances
• Winter food traditions are tied to the harvest cycle

How do I reach Amritsar?

• Major Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar
• Nearest Railway Station: Amritsar Junction

Nearest Bus Stand: Amritsar Bus Stand

Where to stay?

Casa Artesa

Casa Artesa is a serene natural retreat that blends refined hospitality with exceptional culinary experiences at its in-house restaurant. Designed with a seamless indoor-outdoor aesthetic, it offers modern comforts, cosy bonfires and starlit BBQ evenings—making it an ideal getaway for friends and families to unwind, dine and create lasting memories.
Amenities include:

• Lawn
• Bonfire
• Indoor/Outdoor games
• CCTV surveillance
• Parking space

The Magnolia Farm

Nestled amid lush greenery near Amritsar, The Magnolia Farm is a serene yet well-connected villa offering a perfect balance of comfort and escape. With vibrant, character-filled bedrooms, chic interiors, an indoor pool, jacuzzi, private terrace and expansive garden, it’s designed for relaxed luxury and memorable moments away from the city’s bustle.
Amenities include:

• Heater
• Balcony/Terrace
• Private Pool
• Jacuzzi
• Parking Space

Fiddle Leaf Home

Fiddle Leaf Home is a charming 3BHK villa in Amritsar, blending elegant interiors with traditional warmth and a cosy, homely vibe. Unwind on the lush lawn, enjoy bonfire evenings or BBQs on the balcony, and explore nearby highlights like the Golden Temple and local markets. Perfectly located and thoughtfully designed, it offers a peaceful yet well-connected stay.

Amenities include:

• Heater
• Balcony/Terrace
• Indoor/Outdoor Games
• CCTV Surveillance
• Driver/Staff Accommodation

Plan Your Makar Sankranti 2026 Trip

1. If you are looking for scale, choose Ahmedabad. If good scenery is your preference, go for Jaipur. If ease and accessibility are paramount, visit Hyderabad.
2. Book early. January sells out fast.
3. Buy kites locally or via kite online shopping if you want speciality designs.
4. Pack smart with gloves, a cap, sunscreen, light jacket.
5. Follow safety rules and eco-guidelines. Avoid places with flocks of birds.

Final Thoughts

If filling the blue and orange hues of skies with more beautiful colours is your thing, Makar Sankranti 2026 opens doors to these special places during January. Whether you chase world records in Ahmedabad, royal vistas in Jaipur, or an easy-going, fun blend of culture and urban accessibility in Hyderabad, Makar Sankranti 2026 promises unforgettable skies. 

Book your stay, pick your kite, and let January’s winds do the rest.

FAQs

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Written by Krutartha Chitnis