The Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival (TNIKF) 5.0 will take place from 14–17 August 2026 at Thiruvidanthai Beach on the East Coast Road (ECR), near Mahabalipuram. Organised by Global Media Box in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, the festival coincides with the Independence Day long weekend and brings together international kite flyers, cultural programmes and family-friendly activities on the state’s coastline.
A Festival that Continues to Grow
Launched in 2022, the Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival has become an annual tourism event that celebrates the art of kite flying while showcasing Tamil Nadu’s coastal destinations. Previous editions have been hosted in Mahabalipuram, Kanniyakumari and Madurai, attracting visitors from across India and abroad. Since its inaugural edition, the festival has attracted a growing number of international participants and has broadened its programme with cultural performances and public activities.
International Kite Teams Take to the Skies
The fifth edition will feature more than 250 kites flown by professional kite teams from countries including France, Germany, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Switzerland and India. The programme includes giant inflatable kites, artistic kite designs, choreographed flying demonstrations and LED kite displays after sunset, offering changing aerial displays throughout the festival.
Cultural Programmes and Family Activities
Beyond the kite displays, the festival offers a programme designed for visitors of all ages. Cultural performances highlighting Tamil Nadu’s artistic traditions will take place alongside shopping stalls, food courts and interactive activities. A dedicated Kids Carnival provides entertainment for younger visitors, while photography contests and exhibition spaces add to the festival experience. Evening DJ concerts and LED kite performances extend the celebrations after sunset.
A Heritage Setting on the East Coast
The festival venue at Thiruvidanthai Beach, near the UNESCO World Heritage town of Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), provides favourable coastal winds for large-format kite flying. The location also offers visitors the opportunity to explore Mahabalipuram’s renowned Pallava-era monuments, rock-cut temples and shore architecture, making the event a blend of recreation, culture and heritage tourism.
Festival Highlights
- Over 250 giant and artistic kites
- International kite teams from multiple countries
- Giant inflatable show kites
- Acrobatic and themed kite-flying demonstrations
- Cultural performances
- LED kite shows after sunset
- Kids Carnival and family entertainment
- Food court and shopping stalls
- Photography opportunities along the Bay of Bengal coastline
Planning Your Visit
The festival is expected to attract families, photographers, kite enthusiasts and travellers during the Independence Day weekend. Visitors are encouraged to check the organisers’ official website for ticketing, programme schedules and travel information before planning their visit.
Event at a Glance
| Event | Details |
| Name | Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival 5.0 |
| Venue | Thiruvidanthai Beach, East Coast Road (ECR), near Mahabalipuram |
| City | Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu (Google Map) |
| Date | 14–17 August 2026 |
| Organiser | Global Media Box in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Website | www.tnikf.com |
Takeaway
Now in its fifth edition, the Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival has established itself as one of the state’s notable tourism events, combining international kite artistry with cultural programming and family-friendly activities. Set against the coastal landscape near Mahabalipuram, the festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience colourful aerial displays while exploring one of Tamil Nadu’s best-known heritage destinations.
Suggested Read: Kite Festivals in India: Experiencing Colorful Skies of Joy
