Thursday, 14 January 2027. On that morning, much of Jaipur will be on its rooftops.
Makar Sankranti is the day Jaipur trades its usual skyline for a sky full of kites. Families climb to terraces with chai, sweets and loud music. Rival rooftops cut each other’s strings, and a shout goes up for every kite that falls. It is one of the best festival days in the Rajasthan calendar, and one of the hardest to plan around if you do not know the city.
This post covers the date, where to watch, how the day runs, the safety rules that matter, and how to move around Jaipur on a day when the old city is crowded and the sky is full of string.
Written by the Cabs Rajasthan Tour team in Jagatpura, Jaipur. Event programmes are usually confirmed close to the date, so check the official Rajasthan Tourism listing before you plan around a venue. Last checked 6 November 2026.
Quick Answer
Makar Sankranti falls on Thursday, 14 January 2027. Rajasthan Tourism lists a Kite Festival at Jal Mahal on Amber Road that day. The best experience is a rooftop in the old city, which you should book early. Expect heavy traffic near the old city and Amber Road, take care around sharp kite thread, and plan travel in the early morning or after sunset.
The Date and the Calendar
Makar Sankranti follows the solar calendar, which is why it falls on 14 January in most years. In some years it spills into 15 January, so confirm the date with a local calendar if a ritual matters to you.
For 2027, the date to plan around is Thursday, 14 January. The tourism department lists a Kite Festival and Patang Atish Utsav at Jal Mahal that day, organised by the Tourist Reception Centre in Jaipur.
The festival does not start on the day. Kite flying builds from late December, and bazaars come alive in the first fortnight of January. By 10 January, most shops are busy, and by 13 January, the old city is in full preparation.
Why Jaipur Does This Better Than Anywhere Else
Many Indian cities fly kites on Sankranti. Jaipur does something specific with it. The old walled city is made of flat-roofed houses packed close together, and every roof is a launch pad.
Neighbouring families compete across a few metres of air. Music plays from speakers, and food is passed up the stairs. Til ladoo, gajak and pheeni are the traditional sweets, and dal ke pakore and ghewar often appear alongside.
The sky is the stage. Tradition links kite flying to the sun’s northward journey and to the winter harvest, and many people also take a holy dip or give to charity on the same day.
Three Ways to Experience It
You can watch from the ground, from a rooftop or from the official venue. Each is different.
| Option | What it feels like | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old city rooftop (hotel or guesthouse) | You join the kite war, with food and music | Photographers, families, anyone who wants to fly | Needs booking weeks ahead |
| Jal Mahal kite festival (official) | Organised event, displays, cultural programme | Visitors who want a ready-made plan | Crowds, traffic on Amber Road, programme may change |
| Street level and bazaars | Colour, noise and kites everywhere, no launching | Short visits, budget travel | Crowds, falling string, limited seating |
If you can only do one, choose the rooftop. It is the closest you get to how locals celebrate.
Option One: A Rooftop in the Old City
Many hotels and guesthouses in and around the walled city open their terraces on Makar Sankranti. Some offer a packaged morning with kites, snacks and music.
Book early. Rooms and roof access sell out in the weeks before the festival, and prices jump. Ask what is included: kites and thread, food, music, and how many people fit on the roof. Celebrat Makar Sankranti 2027 in Jaipur
Choose a property you can reach easily. Old city lanes are narrow, and a car may stop some distance from the door. Share the exact location with your driver, and agree a meeting point for the way back.
Option Two: Jal Mahal and the Official Festival
The Rajasthan Tourism event takes place at Jal Mahal on Amber Road. Expect an organised programme with kite displays and cultural performances. The exact schedule is usually confirmed close to the date, so check the official listing.
Amber Road gets crowded on festival days. Traffic slows, parking is limited, and the road is shared with buses heading to Amer Fort. Arrive early, or plan to walk the last stretch.
A private cab with a patient driver helps a lot here. A Jaipur local sightseeing day lets you combine the lake views at Jal Mahal with the old city bazaars, and the driver handles parking and pickup points.
Option Three: The Bazaars and Kite Markets
Even if you do not fly, the kite markets are worth seeing. Handipura is known as the old kite market, and other bazaars such as Ramganj also sell kites and thread in bulk.
Most buying peaks from about 10 January. Shops are crowded and stocked, and prices are lower earlier in the week. Bargain politely, and compare two or three shops.
If you plan to fly, buy plain cotton thread, not the coated kind. The reason matters, and it is covered in the safety section below.
Safety First: Sharp Thread and Local Rules
This is the part of the festival nobody advertises.
Kite thread coated with glass or made from strong synthetic material can slice skin and kill birds. Riders on two-wheelers are at the greatest risk, because a taut string at neck height can cause serious injury. Synthetic and glass-coated thread is restricted in many places, so check the local rules, and choose plain cotton thread if you fly.
Local restrictions do happen. In January 2026, police banned kite flying in a 5 km zone around parts of Jagatpura from 2 to 15 January, because Army aircraft were rehearsing low-altitude fly-pasts. A stray kite or thread near an aircraft path is a serious hazard.
Check for notices before you go. If you stay in an area with a ban, do not fly there. Enjoy the festival from a different area.
Keep an eye on birds. Veterinary clinics in Jaipur are usually kept open for injured birds on 14 January. If you find one, take it to a clinic, and do not try to pull the thread out yourself.
Travelling Around Jaipur on 14 January
Festival days change the traffic. The old city is crowded, roads near Amber and Jal Mahal slow down, and some lanes are partly closed by gatherings.
The first hours of the morning are relatively quiet. Most people are still preparing, or already on the roof. By late morning, traffic builds near the old city and the lake.
After sunset, a second wave of traffic arrives, as families go out for dinner and to see illuminated kites at night. Roads near the old city can be slow until about 9 pm.
A good plan is to travel early, spend the middle of the day in one place, and come back after the evening rush. Our post on how to get around Jaipur compares the metro, bus, auto and cab, and explains how to handle the old city.
A Simple Plan for the Day
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 6:30 to 8:00 am | Early temple visit or a quiet walk, before the crowds |
| 8:30 to 9:30 am | Breakfast, then reach your rooftop or viewpoint |
| 9:30 am to 1:00 pm | The main kite hours. Fly, watch, eat, repeat |
| 1:00 to 3:00 pm | Lunch and rest, out of the sun and the crowds |
| 3:00 to 5:30 pm | Second round of flying, or a visit to Jal Mahal |
| 5:30 pm onward | Sunset, lights and illuminated kites, then dinner |
Drop the lines you do not need. A festival day is better with two good moments than five rushed ones.
Temples, Charity and Rituals
For many families, Makar Sankranti is first a religious day. Devotees take a bath in holy water, give to charity and visit temples before the kites begin.
If you want to join in, plan early. Temples are busier than normal, and some close at midday. A morning Jaipur darshan taxi keeps the driver at the gate and cuts waiting between shrines.
Be respectful. Dress modestly, follow queue rules and ask before taking photos in puja areas.
Coming to Jaipur for the Festival
January is peak season. Hotels, vehicles and flights are tight, and the festival adds a spike on top. If you plan to visit, book your stay and your transport as soon as your dates are fixed.
If you are flying in, share your flight number with your cab operator. Winter fog can delay flights, and a driver who tracks your flight can adjust. A confirmed Jaipur airport cab removes the biggest arrival-day problem.
Our post on Christmas and New Year in Rajasthan explains how the winter peak affects bookings, and many of the tips carry into mid-January.
Building a Trip Around the Festival
Many travellers combine Makar Sankranti with a wider trip. January is a lovely time to see Rajasthan, with cool days and clear skies.
For a short break, a Rajasthan tour package 4 nights 5 days keeps the plan tight. Treat it as one region done well, and arrive in Jaipur a day before the festival.
For a balanced circuit, a 5 nights 6 days Rajasthan tour covers several cities with planned drive times. Start in Jaipur so you are in the old city for the festival.
For wildlife, a Jaipur to Ranthambore tour fits well before or after the festival. January mornings are cold in an open vehicle, so pack gloves and a warm cap.
Book vehicles early. Our post on the best time to visit Rajasthan shows how January compares with other months.
After the Festival: The Desert in February
Many visitors continue west after Jaipur. The desert is at its best in winter, and the Jaisalmer Desert Festival is usually held around February. Confirm the 2027 dates when they are announced.
A desert safari tour package bundles a camel ride, a camp stay and dinner. Nights are cold in January and February, so ask about heating and bedding before you book.
What to Pack for 14 January
Mornings are cold, and the afternoon sun is bright. Dress in layers you can remove.
- A light jacket and a warm layer for the morning and evening.
- Sunglasses, a cap and sunscreen for the afternoon sun.
- Comfortable shoes with grip for rooftop stairs.
- A scarf to protect your neck from stray string.
- A power bank, since you will take many photos.
- Cash for kites, snacks and small shops.
Travelling With Children and Elders
Children love the kites, and roofs can be dangerous. Keep them away from open edges, and stay with them at all times.
Elders may struggle with steep stairs to a rooftop. Ask about access before you book, and choose a lower terrace or a ground-level viewing spot.
Carry water and snacks. A long day in the sun tires everyone, and sweets are not a meal.
Common Mistakes
Booking a rooftop at the last minute. The best ones sell out in advance.
Buying coated thread. It is dangerous for birds and riders.
Driving through the old city at midday. Traffic and falling string both make it a bad idea.
Ignoring local restrictions. Check notices, especially if you stay near an airbase or a flight path.
Planning too much. A festival day is better with fewer stops.
Choosing a Reliable Operator
Festival days test every operator. The good ones communicate and stay organised. The weak ones overbook.
Look for a real office, verified drivers, clear pricing and a way to reach a person at any hour. A dependable best taxi in Jaipur for festival travel will confirm your booking in writing and explain how it handles crowds and road closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Makar Sankranti in 2027?
Thursday, 14 January 2027. The festival follows the solar calendar, so it usually falls on 14 January, though in some years it is 15 January.
Where is the official kite festival in Jaipur?
Rajasthan Tourism lists a Kite Festival and Patang Atish Utsav at Jal Mahal on Amber Road on 14 January 2027. Check the official page for the programme and timings.
What is the best place to watch kite flying in Jaipur?
A rooftop in the old city offers the most authentic experience. Jal Mahal offers an organised event. Book rooftops early.
Is kite flying safe?
It can be, with care. Avoid glass-coated and synthetic thread, stay away from open roof edges and check for local restrictions near airfields and flight paths.
What food is traditional on Makar Sankranti 2027 in Jaipur?
Til ladoo, gajak and pheeni are the classic sweets. Dal ke pakore and ghewar are also common.
Is Jaipur crowded on 14 January?
Yes, especially around the old city and Amber Road. Travel early, avoid midday drives through the old city, and expect slower traffic after sunset.
Plan Your Sankranti Trip
Share your dates, group size and plans with our team, and we will tell you what is realistic for the festival. You can write through the Jaipur cab contact number page.
We confirm the vehicle, the route and every extra in writing before you pay anything.