Weather: 14°C - 25°C
Tags: Festival, Adventure, Culture
Timings: January (14th onwards)
Entry Fee: Free (For the general public)
Time Required: 3 - 4 hours

The Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival is an exhilarating celebration that fills the skies of Jodhpur with color, energy, and excitement. Held annually in January, this festival attracts kite enthusiasts from around the globe, offering a unique blend of competition, culture, and fun. Whether you're a seasoned kite-flying expert or simply looking for a vibrant experience, this event is something you don't want to miss.

Festival Overview

One of the most visually stunning festivals in Rajasthan, the Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival takes place at the Polo Ground, a spacious venue offering a perfect view of the soaring kites. The inaugural ceremony is nothing short of spectacular, with helicopters releasing colorful kites into the sky, followed by children releasing balloons to further add to the celebration. This grand opening sets the tone for an exciting few days of kite-flying, entertainment, and competition.

The festival is marked by two major competitions that are a treat for both participants and spectators alike:

  1. Fighter Kite Competition - In this competition, kite enthusiasts engage in thrilling battles in the sky, where they try to cut each other's kites using their own. It's a fierce, yet fun, competition that tests skill, precision, and experience.

  2. Display Kite Competition - This event features large, elaborately designed kites that are more about aesthetics and creativity. The designs can range from traditional shapes to artistic masterpieces, turning the sky into a stunning canvas of colors.

The grand finale of the competition is held at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, a majestic royal setting that adds a regal touch to the celebrations. As the sun sets, the kites in the air create a surreal and unforgettable atmosphere, making this festival one of the most popular cultural events in the region.

When to Visit

The Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival is typically held around 14th January, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, a festival celebrated with kite flying in many parts of India. This makes it a perfect time to visit Jodhpur if you're looking to experience the vibrant energy and cultural richness of Rajasthan. The weather during this time is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 25°C, ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Reach the Festival

Getting to the Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival is simple, as it takes place in the heart of Jodhpur city. Here’s how you can reach the festival:

  • By Air: Jodhpur Airport is well connected to major cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. Once you land, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the Polo Ground, the festival venue, which is about 5-6 kilometers from the airport.

  • By Train: Jodhpur Junction is a major railway station that connects the city to many parts of India. From the train station, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to Polo Ground in just 10 minutes.

  • By Road: Jodhpur is well connected by road with cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Ahmedabad. If you're coming from these cities, you can either take a bus or drive to the Polo Ground. Once you're in the city, the festival venue is easy to locate with local directions.