Mamallapuram hosts 5th Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival.
TTDC Ocean View in Mamallapuram is hosting the 5th Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival (TNIKF) 2026, bringing vibrant international kite displays to Tamil Nadu’s coastline over Independence Day weekend. Three-day festival begins August 14 and ends August 16, 2026.
With Dr. V.P. Jeyaseelan, IAS, Director of Tamil Nadu Tourism, S. Rajesh Kumar, Minister of Tourism, opened the festival, which was organised by Global Media Box and the Department of Tourism, Tamil Nadu.
The three-day festival showcases worldwide kite-flying displays from 3 pm until sunset and is free to attend.
Thiru S. Rajesh Kumar, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Tamil Nadu, inaugurates the 5th Tamil Nadu International Kite Festiva with Dr.V.P Jeyaseelan (IAS), Director of Tourism.
Over 200 Giant Kites Fly
More than 30 professional kite fliers from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India will display over 200 gigantic show kites during this year’s festival.
Sharktopus, Labubu, and a big Octopus are among the international display kites and character and marine-themed designs.
The Poikkal Kuthirai (Folk Horse) and Thanjavur Dancing Doll, award-winning cultural kites from Tamil Nadu Team Skyters, add a local touch. These kites have represented Tamil Nadu at international kite festivals.
LED Nite Kite Shows will fly after dusk at the festival if wind conditions allow.
Plans to Make TNIKF a Global Tourism Event
Rajesh Kumar said that after four years, the Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival has become one of Tamil Nadu Tourism’s most popular family-oriented events, attracting families, photographers, domestic travellers, and international visitors during Independence Day.
He said the festival has grown from a small international kite event to a flagship tourism attraction that promotes Tamil Nadu as a thriving destination for experience, cultural, and coastal tourism.
The Department of Tourism wants to make TNIKF a global tourism event. It hopes to draw over 30 countries, display 1,000 kites, and hold an International Aerobatic Kite Flying Championship.
The campaign also promotes domestic travel during Independence Day, foreign tourism, extended stays along Tamil Nadu’s coastline, and local business and community growth.
Professional Kite-Flying Shows
The festival is a spectator event with only invited professional kite-flyers flying big inflatable and precision kites. Visitors should not bring or fly kites inside or around the venue to prevent interfering with professional presentations.
The LED Nite Kite Show and all flying events are subject to wind and weather conditions and may be modified or cancelled.
The Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival 2026 will run from 3 pm to sunset at TTDC Ocean View, Mamallapuram, to August 16.
