Amit Shah Inaugurates International Kite Festival, Calls for Delhi as National Kite Hub

Amit Shah Inaugurates International Kite Festival in Delhi, Calls for National-Level Expansion

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated the third International Kite Festival at Baansera Park, New Delhi , highlighting the deep cultural, historical, and unifying role of kite flying in India. He called upon the Delhi government and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to work towards developing Delhi as the national centre for kite festivals .

The event brought together cultural performers, artisans, and citizens, underscoring the festival’s potential as a nationwide platform for cultural integration.

Call to Institutionalise Kite Festival in Delhi

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah urged the Delhi administration and DDA to constitute a dedicated committee to expand and institutionalise the kite festival. He emphasised that with proper planning, sustained funding, and broader participation, the festival could evolve into a pan-India cultural celebration , connecting people across states and linguistic regions.

He noted that Delhi, as the national capital, is well positioned to host an annual kite festival of national and international stature.

Kite Festivals and India’s Civilisational Ethos

Referring to India’s long-standing festival traditions, Shah quoted classical poet Kalidasa , using the phrase “Utsav-priya janah” to describe Indians as people deeply attached to celebrations. He described Uttarayan , the traditional kite-flying festival, as an integral part of India’s cultural calendar that strengthens social bonding and collective identity.

According to him, such festivals transcend regional boundaries and foster unity through shared cultural expressions.

Kites as Symbols During the Freedom Struggle

The Home Minister also recalled the symbolic role of kites during India’s freedom movement, particularly during nationwide protests against the Simon Commission . He noted that during Uttarayan, citizens across the country flew kites emblazoned with the slogan “Simon Go Back” , transforming the skies into a powerful medium of mass resistance against colonial rule.

This, he said, demonstrated how cultural practices were creatively used to express political dissent and national unity.

Somnath Swabhiman Parv and Cultural Continuity

During his address, Shah also referred to the Somnath Swabhiman Parv , marking 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple . He remarked that while the invaders who desecrated the temple have faded into history, the Somnath temple continues to stand tall, symbolising the resilience of Sanatana Dharma and the enduring continuity of Indian civilisation.

Exam-Focused Points

• International Kite Festival 2026 held at Baansera Park, New Delhi .

• Uttarayan is a traditional kite-flying festival in India.

• Kites were used symbolically during protests against the Simon Commission .

• Delhi Development Authority urged to institutionalise and expand the festival.

• Reference made to Somnath Swabhiman Parv , marking 1,000 years of cultural resilience.