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- Cultural
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- ActivitiesHobbyIndian Holidays
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- Date change rule:
- Every January 14
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- 🪁
International Kite Day takes flight every January 14, inviting enthusiasts worldwide to celebrate the ancient art of kite flying. This day, often coinciding with Makar Sankranti in India, fills the skies with vibrant colors and joyful competition. Grab your favorite kite, head outdoors, and join the global festivities!
Want to sponsor International Kite Day? Learn how
Expected International Kite Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that retailers often offer deals on kites and flying accessories. Look for discounts from major toy stores like Toys ‘R’ Us and outdoor recreation brands such as REI. Specialty kite shops like Into The Wind and Kite Connection typically feature sales on unique designs and high-performance models. Online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay will also be popular spots for finding deals on a wide array of kites. Keep an eye out for local park events that might include giveaways or special offers from vendors. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 14 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Kite Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalKiteDay. Share vibrant photos and videos of your kites in flight, showcasing unique designs and beautiful skies.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalKiteDay. Film slow-motion videos of kites soaring, share tips for flying, or capture the excitement of a kite festival.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #InternationalKiteDay. Share real-time updates from local kite flying events, interesting facts about kites, or engage in discussions about the best flying spots.
International Kite Day Hero
George Pocock
History of International Kite Day
Originally, kite flying was a pastime reserved for royalty and the wealthy, but in recent years, it has evolved into a festival open to all, with participants hailing from Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, Indonesia, Singapore, the United States, Malaysia, Australia, France, and Brazil.
International Kite Day originated in India, where it is most popularly observed in the city of Ahmedabad in the northern state of Gujarat. In Hindi, the festival is known as Uttarayan, while in other regions of India, it is known as Makar Sankranti.
It commemorates the transition from winter to summer, as well as the forthcoming winter crop harvest. People go from all over the world to participate in the festivities. The kites linked with the celebration represent the gods’ spirits waking from their winter slumber.
Simple kites made of lightweight colorful paper with bamboo frames are the most frequent. Aside from traditional kites, several feature Bollywood celebrities or social themes. Kite lines are frequently coated with a mixture of rice and crushed glass to aid in “kite fighting.” This is a game when kite fliers try to cut one another’s strings and knock down their kites during the festival.
During the day, acrobats perform, while at night, illuminated kites known as ‘tukkals’ fill the skies. The night sky is also lit up by fireworks. Although this is an Indian festival, Hindu temples in the United States frequently celebrate it, and because it is an inclusive celebration; anybody can participate.
International Kite Day timeline
It’s believed the kite is invented in China.
The popularity of kite flying in India peaks in Lucknow.
Benjamin Franklin demonstrates that lightning is electricity with the aid of a kite.
In 1989, the inaugural International Kite Festival was held, and individuals from all over the world came to show off their kites and flying skills.
International Kite Day FAQs
When is International Kite Day?
In 2027, International Kite Day is observed on Friday, January 14. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the skies with colorful kites as the weekend approaches.
What is the history of kites?
The earliest kites were likely flat, rectangular designs made of silk and bamboo, used by the Chinese for practical purposes before their recreational and ceremonial value was discovered. Their journey across continents saw them adopted into various cultures, each adding unique designs and traditions to their use.
How many people fly kites?
Kite flying remains a popular pastime across all age groups, with estimates suggesting that tens of millions of kites are sold globally each year. Its accessibility and appeal as an outdoor activity contribute to its enduring popularity in diverse cultures.
What is Makar Sankranti and its connection to kites?
The connection between Makar Sankranti and kites is particularly strong in western India, especially Gujarat, where the skies become a canvas of colorful kites. This tradition is rooted in the belief that flying kites on this day brings good luck and signifies the arrival of longer days after the winter solstice.
How to Celebrate International Kite Day
Attend the festival
If you enjoy traveling and have the opportunity to be in Gujarat on January 14 for the actual event, attending would be the greatest way to commemorate International Kite Day. It will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Get a kite and fly it!
Simply buying a kite and taking it to a nearby park to fly it is a fantastic way to celebrate. A breezy day spent with a kite in hand is an immensely enjoyable experience.
Learn or teach someone how to make kites
Learn and train to fly kites in the sky. Teach someone how to make and decorate kites.
5 Facts About Kites That Will Blow Your Mind
Research assistant
When the Wright brothers were developing the first airplane in the late 1800s, they studied kites.
World record
180 hours is the world record for the longest kite fly.
Leafy kites
Leaves were used to make the first kites, which were flown thousands of years ago.
German paranoia
Large kites were outlawed in East Germany due to the fear of people being lifted over the Berlin Wall.
Flying couriers
During the American Civil War, kites were utilized to carry mail and newspapers.
Why We Love International Kite Day
Good food
Food lovers have a soft spot for this holiday. The festival's various food kiosks provide traditional Gujarati cuisine for travelers to sample.
It stimulates creativity
It is a creative outlet as people try to make beautiful kite designs. Different design possibilities leave no limit to your imagination.
Sharing and caring
We get to share the holiday with people all over the world. We have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life through our shared passion for flying kites.
International Kite Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | January 14 | Thursday |
| 2028 | January 14 | Friday |
| 2029 | January 14 | Sunday |
| 2030 | January 14 | Monday |
| 2031 | January 14 | Tuesday |



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