Your Travel Partner
SINCE 1989
Your Travel Partner
SINCE 1989
The Kite Festival in Jaipur is one of Rajasthan’s most colourful and eagerly awaited celebrations. Observed annually on Makar Sankranti, the festival transforms Jaipur’s blue winter sky into a moving canvas filled with kites of different colours, shapes and sizes.
The next Jaipur Kite Festival will be celebrated on 14 January 2027. Although kite flying takes place across Rajasthan, the festivities are especially vibrant in Jaipur, where families and friends gather on rooftops from early morning until sunset.
The Jaipur Kite Festival coincides with Makar Sankranti, an important Hindu festival marking the Sun’s transition into Makara, or Capricorn. The occasion symbolises seasonal change, new beginnings and prosperity.
People traditionally begin the day by visiting temples, offering prayers and performing charitable acts. Kite flying then becomes the centre of the celebration. Rooftops across the Pink City come alive with music, friendly competitions and excited cries of “Woh Kata!” whenever someone cuts an opponent’s kite.
The official tourism celebration has previously been organised near Jal Mahal. However, the venue and programme may change, so travellers should verify the latest announcement before visiting.
The rooftops of Jaipur’s Walled City provide an authentic view of the celebration. Areas around Johari Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Chandpole and Kishanpole become particularly lively during Makar Sankranti.
Jal Mahal is another popular location associated with the official Kite Festival. Its lakeside setting and heritage backdrop make it an attractive place for cultural performances and photography.
Visitors must obtain permission before accessing a private rooftop. Booking a hotel or heritage haveli offering a rooftop kite-flying experience is often the safest and most convenient option.
Food is an essential part of Makar Sankranti celebrations in Jaipur. Local households prepare delicacies such as til ke laddoo, gajak, revri, pheeni, pakodi and dal ki khichdi. These seasonal dishes add warmth and flavour to the winter festivities.
Before the festival, markets such as Handipura and Haldiyon Ka Rasta display thousands of colourful kites and reels of thread. Exploring these markets allows visitors to witness the craftsmanship and excitement surrounding Jaipur’s kite-flying tradition.
Always use plain, bird-safe cotton thread and avoid banned synthetic or glass-coated manjha. Fly kites only from secure rooftops with proper railings and remain careful around electrical wires. Children should always be supervised.
Loose kite strings can injure birds, pedestrians and two-wheeler riders. Visitors should dispose of used thread responsibly and avoid flying kites during the early morning and evening hours when bird movement is higher.
January is a pleasant time to explore attractions such as Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. Travellers should book accommodation early because demand increases around Makar Sankranti.
With colourful skies, rooftop celebrations, traditional food and Jaipur’s royal heritage, the Kite Festival offers an unforgettable introduction to Rajasthan’s festive spirit.
