Uttarayan Festival 2026

Full Date

14 January 2026 Morning 9:03 AM – 15 January 2026 Evening 6:00 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Uttarayan Sankranti Moment

  Time when the Sun enters Capricorn, marking the celestial transition.

  14 January 2026 9:03 AM – 14 January 2026 9:03 AM

• International Kite Festival

  Held at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad, featuring kite-fliers from over 40 countries.

  11 January 2026 Morning 10:00 AM – 14 January 2026 Evening 6:00 PM

• Vasi Uttarayan

  Celebrated the next day with music, leftover feasts, and evening kite flying.

  15 January 2026 Morning 10:00 AM – 15 January 2026 Evening 6:00 PM

Introduction

Uttarayan marks the Sun’s northward journey and is celebrated in Gujarat as the grand Kite Festival, coinciding with Makar Sankranti. On this day, the skies are filled with colorful kites representing the spirit of freedom, unity, and joy.

Other Names

International Kite Festival, Makara Sankranti, Vasi Uttarayan

Pooja Vidhi

• Rise before sunrise and bathe to mark the beginning of auspicious Uttarayan.
• Offer Arghya to the Sun God, chanting Surya mantras.
• Offer sesame, jaggery, rice, and fruits as prosperity symbols.
• Distribute sweets and food among neighbors and the needy.
• Spend the day flying kites and enjoying community festivities.
• Conclude the day with gratitude and prayers for health and abundance.

Rituals

• Make offerings to the Sun and begin the day with Surya Arghya.
• Fly kites from terraces and rooftops starting at dawn.
• Prepare traditional dishes like Undhiyu, Chikki, and Jalebi.
• Host friendly kite competitions and challenge neighbors’ kites.
• Light lamps or ‘tukkals’ on kites during evening celebrations.
• Celebrate the second day as Vasi Uttarayan with leftover feasts and music.

Regional Highlights

• Gujarat skies fill with vibrant kites marking the joyous start of the harvest season.
• Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront hosts the International Kite Festival.
• Local dishes like Undhiyu, Chikki, and Jalebi dominate the festive meals.
• Villages celebrate with fairs, folk songs, and bonfires.

History

The celebration of Uttarayan dates back centuries as a mark of the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makara Rashi). In Gujarat, it gained international fame through the International Kite Festival, launched in 1989 at Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront, attracting flyers from over 40 countries.

Additional Information

• Symbolizes the end of winter and the arrival of harvest season.
• Represents joy, freedom, and unity among people.
• Encourages sharing, community bonding, and cultural pride.