Amit Shah Inaugurates Third International Kite Festival in Delhi

Union Home Minister “Amit Shah” on Friday inaugurated the third International Kite Festival at Baansera Park in New Delhi, highlighting the cultural, historical, and unifying significance of kite flying in India. He called upon the Delhi government and the Delhi Development Authority to expand the festival and develop Delhi as the national hub for kite celebrations.

Call to Make Delhi National Centre for Kite Festivals

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah urged the Delhi administration and the “Delhi Development Authority” to constitute a committee to institutionalise the festival. He stated that with structured planning and wider public participation, the kite festival could evolve into a nationwide cultural event connecting people across states and regions.

Kite Festivals and India’s Cultural Tradition

Referring to India’s rich civilisational ethos, Shah quoted classical poet Kalidasa’s phrase “Utsav-priya janah”, underscoring Indians’ deep-rooted association with festivals. He described Uttarayan as an integral part of India’s festival calendar, noting that such celebrations foster social unity and collective consciousness across communities.

Kites in the Freedom Movement

Amit Shah recalled the symbolic role of kites during India’s freedom struggle, particularly during protests against the Simon Commission. He noted that during Uttarayan, people across the country flew kites bearing the slogan “Simon Go Back”, turning the skies into a powerful canvas of mass resistance against British rule.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• International Kite Festival 2026 held at Baansera Park, New Delhi.
• Uttarayan is a traditional kite-flying festival in India.
• Kites were used as symbolic tools during the Simon Commission protests.
• Delhi Development Authority was urged to expand the festival nationally.

Somnath Swabhiman Parv and Cultural Continuity

During the event, Shah also referred to the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, marking 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath temple. He stated that while invaders who destroyed the temple have vanished from history, the Somnath temple stands resilient, symbolising the enduring strength of Sanatana Dharma and the timeless continuity of Indian culture.