International Kite Festival & Makar Sankranti spark kite sales surge
Gujarat leads growth in Indian kite industry
Kite flying is a cherished tradition in India, especially during festivals like Makar Sankranti and Lohri, when the skies are filled with colourful kites. In 2025, the growing demand for kites during these festivals is driving a booming industry, supporting local economies and preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Kite flying is one of the most popular activities in India, with people eagerly awaiting the chance to fill the skies with vibrant colours. January marks the peak of this aerial spectacle in some regions of India, particularly during the lively festivals of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti, a festival which marks the beginning of the northward journey of the Sun, falling on January 14.
In Gujarat, Maharashtra and many other states, the skies come alive with soaring kites in January, and the air is filled with the joyful cries of children running and shouting Kai po che! (I have cut your kite) as they engage in spirited kite battles.
The excitement not only fills the skies but also fuels a surge in sales, with vendors seeing a booming demand for kites and associated accessories.
According to Reuters, Gujarat is a hub of the kite industry in the country, boasting a market worth INR 6.50 billion or USD 76.58 million, and the state accounts for about 65 pc of the total number of kites made in India.
“Demand has increased substantially this year, and our stocks are struggling to keep up, especially in states like Gujarat, Jammu, Punjab and Maharashtra,” Rajan Sharma, a kite vendor and supplier from Ludhiana, Punjab tells India & You.
Governments also promote these festivals in order to attract tourists and capitalise on the growing kite market. From January 11 to January 14, Gujarat Tourism is set to host its annual International Kite Festival, attracting over 143 kite flyers from 47 countries, 52 expert flyers from different parts of India, and 417 local participants.
According to Sharma, competitions like these, along with the excitement surrounding Uttarayan, drives further demand for kites.
“I have already fulfilled three orders of over 25,000 kites for the International Kite Festival in Gujarat alone, and the demand continues to grow,” he adds.
While Gujarat remains the country’s epicentre for the kite market, other states like Maharashtra, Punjab, Jammu, and Uttar Pradesh amongst others also experience a significant surge in kite sales during peak times.
In Punjab, kite flying has seen a significant rise as children are currently on an extended vacation this year. Traditionally, this activity peaks around festivals like Lohri and Baisakhi. With Lohri just around the corner, the demand for kites is already on the rise, and sales are picking up as people gear up to celebrate the season.
“We are seeing a pretty good demand this year, especially from kids and young adults. Around Lohri, we get good business,” says Sharma.
While January is the peak season for kite sales and activities in some states, other parts of India participate in kite flying at different times of the year. In Delhi, the demand for kites surges as people prepare for the Independence Day on August 15. As a result, the industry operates year-round, providing steady employment.
“We only cater to the Delhi market and we sell a lot during August; however, for the rest of the year, business in Delhi is a little slow. That is when we send the leftover stock to other states,” says Mangal, a Delhi-based kite vendor.
“There is still demand for last year’s Independence Day stock in cities in Punjab,” he adds.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is set to host its annual kite flying festival on January 13 and 14 this year. The event will take place at Baansera, a unique bamboo-themed park in Delhi. This festival is part of the broader tradition of Makar Sankranti celebrations, with other cities such as Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan also holding vibrant kite flying events to mark the occasion.
The craftsmanship behind the kites
In 2025, the craftsmanship behind kites remains largely unchanged, with traditional kite-makers using paper, bamboo, and strings. These kites are sold at various price points, ranging from INR 5 for simple designs to INR 1,500 for high-quality, custom-made kites.
For many, what may seem like just a few days of celebration is a significant livelihood opportunity, supporting local economies and preserving traditional crafts.
More than 130,000 people are involved in kite-making throughout Gujarat, according to government estimates, many of whom work from homes to make basic kites. According to a report by the Union Ministry of Textiles, Gujarat accounts for around 70 pc of the nation’s kite production.
The price range of these kites vary according the cities they are being sold in. “The prices of kites differ in each city, a kite which I would sell for INR 15 in Punjab would probably be sold for INR 150 in Mumbai or other big cities. But the profit goes to the retailers, artisans barely get any good amount,” says Sharma.