The Delhi Development Authority is planning a larger Baansera Patang Utsav 2027, with at least 100 kite flyers expected to participate in the three-day International Kite Festival proposed for January 15-17, 2027. The event is planned to include 40 international flyers from at least 10 countries and 60 participants from across India.
The proposed expansion places emphasis on geographical diversity, different kite-flying traditions and greater public participation. According to the DDA’s proposed event-management plan, no single country can account for more than 20% of the international participants. Potential participating countries include Australia, Thailand, China, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Brazil, Kenya and the United States.
The agency selected to manage the festival will be responsible for identifying suitable international and national flyers and submitting their profiles to the DDA for approval. The proposed selection process will consider each participant’s country of origin, experience in international kite festivals and professional profile.
The DDA has also set a limit on local participation. Of the 60 Indian flyers, no more than 10%, or six participants, can be from Delhi. The remaining 54 national flyers are proposed to be drawn from other states and Union Territories.
“We aim to see wider participation with a broader geographical spread so that people in other cities and countries can also feel free to participate,” a DDA official said. The official added that the national representation would be organised to strengthen the diversity and national character of the festival.
The proposed event will go beyond conventional kite-flying displays. Categories listed in the plan include traditional fighting kites, custom thematic kites, country-flag kite displays, giant display kites, three-dimensional inflatable kites, artistic and cultural-theme kites, and synchronised team flying.
Thematic kite displays could focus on government schemes, the environment, Swachh Bharat, women’s empowerment, DDA initiatives and the festival logo. Country-flag displays would involve participating nations and embassies. The plan also includes LED kites and night-flying activities.
The DDA said the festival is being designed to involve visitors and students rather than remain an exhibition by professional flyers. Proposed engagement activities include kite-making workshops, interaction sessions with international participants, school programmes, student activities and opportunities for public participation.
The event-management agency will also coordinate invitations, participant travel, accommodation and meals. These responsibilities indicate that the DDA is treating the festival as a managed public-space programme requiring international coordination, visitor engagement and on-site event operations.
The proposed participation structure and programme will be subject to the DDA’s approval process and the final arrangements made by the selected event-management agency.
