New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday attended the third International Kite Festival 2026 in the national capital and said that Makar Sankranti has become a powerful example of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,’ reflecting India’s cultural unity amid diversity.
The event was also attended by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with several senior officials and a large gathering of citizens.
Addressing the gathering, Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended greetings to the people of the country, particularly farmers, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and other harvest festivals celebrated across India.
“I want to congratulate the countrymen, especially our farmers, on the festivals of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, Magh Bihu, and Uttarayan. Uttarayan is celebrated under different names in different parts of the country. It is an important festival because we all depend immensely on the Lord Sun,” he said.
Explaining the significance of the festival, HM Shah said that Makar Sankranti is celebrated when the sun enters the zodiac sign Capricorn.
“In many parts of the country, this day is also known as ‘Khichdi Utsav’. It is primarily a festival of farmers. From this day, farmers begin their New Year, marking a new agricultural cycle,” he added.
The Home Minister praised the efforts of the Delhi government and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for organising the third edition of the International Kite Festival. He said the initiative needs to be expanded and popularised through sustained efforts.
“The beginning that has been made should be taken forward in a way that makes the Kite Festival more accessible to the public. This festival has the potential to connect people from all over the country to Delhi and, in the future, become a nationwide celebration,” Shah said.
He suggested forming a dedicated committee to expand the festival, enhance public participation, and transform it into a grand and comprehensive cultural event.
“Delhi’s Kite Festival should become the centre of kite festivals across the country,” he added.
Referring to the venue, Baansera, the Home Minister said it exemplifies how determination can transform a vision into reality.
“Baansera is a demonstration of how strong resolve can turn an idea into a beautiful, tangible space. Today, it has become a very attractive place for the people of Delhi. The Delhi government has ensured proper arrangements to encourage more visitors and greater public use of this natural site,” he said.
He also noted that a themed pavilion showcasing the history of kites, including their role during wartime, has been set up at the festival venue.
Quoting the great Sanskrit poet Kalidas, HM Shah said that Indians have always been fond of festivals and celebrate them across all seasons.
“India is a land of festivals. Today, the DDA has organised the third International Kite Festival, and there is a strong need to make it an even grander event in the coming years,” he said.
Highlighting the historical importance of kites, the Home Minister recalled the role they played during the freedom struggle.
“During the Simon Commission movement, the entire country opposed British rule. On Uttarayan, the Indian people filled the sky with kites carrying the message ‘Go Back Simon’, demonstrating their strength and unity to the British. Kites played a significant role during the freedom movement,” he said.
He added that Makar Sankranti, celebrated as Lohri in Punjab, Magh Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Makar Sankranti in states such as Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, truly reflects the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
Shah expressed hope that the Kite Festival would gain popularity nationally and internationally, attracting visitors from across the world.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also addressed the gathering and said the occasion connects people deeply with Indian culture and traditions. “While the kite festival is new to Delhi in this format, every child in the city has grown up flying kites from streets, rooftops, or terraces. This festival revives and preserves those cherished memories. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for this event,” she said.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said the Home Minister’s presence added special significance to the event. “Kite flying is one of India’s oldest traditions and a unique form of art associated with seasonal festivals. This festival marks the Uttarayan of the Sun, and in our country, the sun rises first in the eastern regions,” he said.
(IANS)
