Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Friday addressed the International Kite Festival 2026 in New Delhi, calling for sustained efforts to transform the event into a nationwide and globally recognised festival. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
Extending greetings to people across the country, especially farmers, on the festivals of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, Magh Bihu and Uttarayan, Shah said these celebrations reflect India’s deep-rooted cultural unity. He noted that Uttarayan is celebrated under different names across regions and symbolises joy, renewal and gratitude to the Sun God, the eternal source of energy that governs life and seasons.
Quoting poet Kalidas, who described Indians as lovers of festivals, Shah said celebrations across seasons help unite society and strengthen the spirit of togetherness. He said Uttarayan embodies this collective spirit and cultural continuity.
Stressing the need to popularise the kite festival further, the Home Minister suggested constituting a dedicated committee to expand its reach in Delhi and across the country. He said the Delhi Kite Festival should become the focal point for national efforts and be organised in a way that it earns a leading position among major kite festivals in India and the world. “This festival can connect people from across the country with Delhi and eventually become a celebration of the entire nation,” he said.
Referring to Baansera Park in Delhi, Shah said the bamboo-themed green space has emerged as a major tourist attraction and stands as an example of what determined execution can achieve. He urged the Delhi government to organise more public events at the venue to enhance its visibility and usage. He also highlighted the three pavilions at the site that showcase the history of kites, including their use during wartime.
Recalling a significant moment from the freedom struggle, Shah said the largest protest against the Simon Commission took place on Uttarayan, when Indians filled the sky with kites bearing the slogan “Simon Go Back,” turning the festival into a powerful symbol of resistance.
Calling Makar Sankranti a living example of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” Shah said the festival is celebrated nationwide in diverse forms — Lohri in Punjab and Haryana, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, Paush Sankranti in West Bengal, Uttarayan in Gujarat and Maharashtra, and Khichdi or Sankranti Khichdi in parts of north and central India. He said the kite festival aims to connect all these traditions with Delhi and, in the coming years, provide a platform for kite flyers from India and abroad to showcase their skills.
The Home Minister also referred to the recently held ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ in Gujarat, marking 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple. He said the Government of India has announced the observance of ‘Somnath Swabhiman Varsh’ nationwide to commemorate the resilience and cultural strength symbolised by the Jyotirlinga.
Shah said the Somnath Temple, despite being destroyed multiple times, was rebuilt each time with greater resolve, and stands today as a powerful symbol of the eternal nature of Sanatan Dharma and Indian civilisation. He said the celebrations offer an opportunity for Indians to reaffirm their commitment to preserving and strengthening the country’s cultural heritage.(KINS)
