Delhi Kite Fest 2026: Winter sky bursts into colour with giant kites featuring Bollywood faces
The 3rd Delhi International Kite Festival has returned to the capital, turning Baansera Park into a vibrant cultural space filled with colourful kites, global artistry, and festive energy. Here are the key details you need to know.
New Delhi: The third edition of the Delhi International Kite Festival began on January 16 at Baansera Park, Sarai Kale Khan, transforming the Yamuna riverfront into a lively cultural zone. Inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the three-day festival brings together families, artists, and visitors under a sky filled with colour. With winter sunshine and open green spaces, the event offered a visual spectacle as kites of various shapes and sizes filled the air, drawing large crowds from across the city.
Beyond recreation, the festival highlights Delhi’s deep-rooted connection with kite flying and its role in Indian cultural history. Organised around the spirit of Makar Sankranti and Uttarayan, the event blends tradition with community participation. The setting at Baansera Park, home to nearly 30,000 bamboo plants used in kite-making, added symbolic value to the celebrations while reinforcing sustainability and craft-based heritage. Here are more details.
Delhi International Kite Festival: Key highlights
What visitors can expect
Mass kite flying remained the main attraction, with open spaces allowing people of all ages to participate freely. Kite displays showcased creative designs, while workshops introduced visitors to the art and techniques of kite-making. Cultural performances, food stalls, and local vendors created a festive atmosphere throughout the day.
International participation and artistry
Around 28 kite artists from India and countries such as Nigeria, Syria, Zimbabwe, and Congo took part in the festival. Giant kites measuring up to six feet drew special attention, featuring faces of Bollywood stars from the 1980s and 1990s, including Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, and Divya Bharti.
Cultural and historical significance
Kite flying has long been linked with Indian festivals and social movements. During the freedom struggle, kites carrying messages like ‘Simon Go Back’ filled the skies on Uttarayan, becoming symbols of collective protest. The park’s pavilions also trace the use of kites in wartime communication and history.
Economic and social impact
The festival supports kite-making artists by giving them exposure and market access. Drawing inspiration from Gujarat’s kite industry, organisers see potential for Delhi’s event to grow into a national cultural festival that strengthens livelihoods, especially for women artisans.
Getting there and entry details
Baansera Park is easily accessible via Sarai Kale Khan-Nizamuddin Metro Station on the Pink Line, located about five minutes from the entrance. Entry fee is Rs 50 for all, with visiting hours from 10 am to 6 pm until January 18.
As the sun dips and kites continue to dance overhead, the Delhi International Kite Festival leaves behind more than photographs. It brings back shared memories of childhood, open skies, and unhurried time with family and friends.