New Delhi – Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the third International Kite Festival at Baansera Park, located along the Yamuna River, on Friday, January 16, 2026. The event, organized by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), is part of the Makar Sankranti celebrations.
Addressing the attendees, Shah extended Makar Sankranti greetings, particularly to farmers, emphasizing the festival's significance as a celebration of the life-sustaining power of the Sun God. He noted that Makar Sankranti is known by different names across India, including Lohri, Bihu, Pongal, and Khichdi Parv.
Shah expressed his hope that the kite festival would strengthen connections between people across the country and with Delhi itself. He urged the Delhi government and the DDA to collaborate in making the festival a leading event, not only nationally but also internationally. Shah suggested forming a committee to enhance the festival experience.
The three-day Delhi Kite Festival is scheduled from January 16 to 18 and promises a vibrant display of kites, cultural performances, and exhibitions detailing the history of kites. The festival will also feature food stalls and activities suitable for families.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, who was the Guest of Honour, said that the Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also attended the event. DDA Vice-Chairman N. Saravana Kumar stated that the inauguration took place at Birsa Munda Chowk in Baansera.
The Lieutenant Governor has lauded the transformation of Baansera from a degraded area into a green oasis, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of restoring degraded land. He highlighted the presence of approximately 30,000 bamboo trees and other indigenous flora, along with water bodies and recreational facilities. These amenities include a restaurant, a musical fountain, walking trails, and a children's play area.
In addition to kite flying, the festival will showcase the history and significance of kites through a dedicated pavilion and a photo exhibition. The pavilion will trace the evolution of kites from ancient times to the modern era, highlighting their cultural relevance and the materials and techniques used in their construction. The photo exhibition will feature iconic moments in kite flying, international kite festivals, record-breaking kites, and artistic kite forms.
Amit Shah also recalled the historical role of kites in India's freedom movement, when kites with "Simon Go Back" written on them filled the sky in protest against the Simon Commission. He also referenced the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, emphasizing the resilience of Indian culture.
The Baansera Park, the venue for the festival, was opened to the public in August 2024 after a restoration project. The park now hosts various social and cultural events, including yoga sessions and musical evenings. Entry to the Kite Festival is free.
