As winter settles over the city, the skies above the old quarters fill with colour and movement. Kite Flying at House of MG forms a natural part of this seasonal tradition, bringing the spirit of Uttarayan, the festival that marks the sun’s northward journey and is celebrated with kite flying, into an environment defined by heritage architecture and open rooftops. For travellers already drawn to the energy of the festival across neighbourhood terraces and city streets, this experience extends the joy of kite flying into a private and considered space.
Uttarayan marks one of the most anticipated moments in Ahmedabad’s calendar, when families gather on rooftops, and the skyline becomes vivified with paper kites drifting and diving through the air. Within this context, a heritage rooftop provides an elevated vantage point to observe and take part in the tradition.
During Uttarayan in Ahmedabad, rooftops become social spaces where laughter, friendly competition and long conversations unfold from morning until dusk. The rooftop at House of MG opens onto the old city skyline, allowing guests to step into this custom while remaining closely connected to historic surroundings.
Kite flying here is not staged as a performance. It rises as a simple extension of the season, where guests can fly kites, watch neighbouring rooftops come alive and feel part of a city-wide moment. The experience mirrors how locals welcome the day, with kites rising alongside the first light and continuing until the evening breeze settles.
Preparation begins weeks in advance, particularly in areas such as Patang Bazaar, where handmade kites and cotton string are sourced for the season. These preparations form an essential lead-up to the festival and reinforce the importance of craft and skill in kite flying traditions.
While public venues draw attention, the essence of the festival remains on rooftops, where control, patience and awareness of the wind guide each flight. Experiencing this from a heritage rooftop places guests at the centre of the tradition without stepping away from comfort.
Gujarat is a hub of the kite industry in the country, boasting a market worth 6.50 billion Indian rupees ($76.58 million), and the state accounts for about 65% of the total number of kites made in India.
For visitors, kite flying at a heritage property bridges observation and participation. It allows engagement with a celebrated tradition while remaining grounded in architectural beauty and attentive hospitality. Rather than moving between rooftops or navigating busy streets, guests enjoy a calm vantage point where the festival unfolds naturally around them.
This setting suits those who value cultural context alongside comfort, and who wish to experience the festival through atmosphere rather than spectacle.
