New Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is planning an expanded edition of its International Kite Festival – Patang Utsav 2027, with the three-day event at Baansera set to bring together at least 100 kite flyers, including a minimum of 40 international and 60 national participants.The festival is tentatively scheduled for Jan 15-17, 2027. DDA’s proposed event-management plan places considerable emphasis on geographical diversity, different styles of kite-flying, public engagement and innovative attractions.“The 40 international participants must represent at least 10 different countries. However, no single country can account for more than 20% of the total international participation. The participation is proposed to be sourced from established kite-flying communities, including Australia, Thailand, China, France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Brazil, Kenya, the US, among others,” DDA stated.The selected agency will need to identify suitable flyers and submit their details, including country of origin, experience in international kite festivals and profiles, to DDA for approval.“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. Among the 60 national kite flyers, we have specified that not more than 10% — that is, a maximum of six — can be from Delhi,” said an official.The remaining 54 national flyers will come from other states and Union Territories. “We will ask the selected agency to ensure representation in a manner that it strengthens the national character and diversity of the festival,” said the official.The festival will not be restricted to conventional kite-flying. The proposed categories include traditional fighting kites, custom thematic kites, country-flag kite displays, giant display kites, 3D inflatable kites, artistic and cultural-theme kites, and synchronised team flying.The thematic kites could highlight subjects such as govt schemes, environment, Swachh Bharat, women empowerment, DDA initiatives and the festival logo. Country-flag kite displays would involve the participating nations and embassies. DDA has also proposed LED and night-flying kites.The event is being designed to involve visitors and students, rather than be solely a display by professional flyers, said the official. The innovation and public engagement components include kite-making workshops, interaction sessions with international flyers, school and student engagement activities and public participation programmes.“The event management agency will be responsible for a wide range of arrangements, from inviting and coordinating participants to handling travel, accommodation and meals,” said the official.
