As Makar Sankranti approaches, Ahmedabad’s rooftops transform into vibrant festival hubs with soaring demand and premium rents.
Terrace Rentals Boom as Kite Flying Traditions Revive Old City Charm
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is far more than a festival; it is an emotion that fills the skies with colour and rooftops with celebration. In Ahmedabad, preparations for the festival begin weeks in advance, with families, groups, and visitors planning their kite-flying experience well ahead of time. This year, the demand for rooftops in the old city areas such as Pol, Khadia, and Raipur has reached unprecedented levels, with most terraces already fully booked days before the festival. Rooftop rents now range from ₹20,000 to as high as ₹1.5 lakh, depending on location, height, and facilities offered.
The old city of Ahmedabad has always been synonymous with Uttarayan celebrations. Narrow lanes, heritage homes, and closely connected rooftops create an unmatched environment where kite flying becomes a collective experience rather than an individual activity. Many families who once lived in these neighbourhoods but later moved abroad return every year to relive their childhood memories. For them, renting a familiar terrace is not merely about flying kites but about reconnecting with traditions, neighbours, and the festive spirit they grew up with.
Raipur, home to Ahmedabad’s largest kite market, becomes the epicentre of activity during this period. The availability of kites, strings, and accessories nearby further increases the appeal of rooftops in this area. Property owners note that the higher the terrace and the clearer the skyline view, the greater the demand and rent. In some cases, especially closer to the festival dates, prices rise sharply as availability becomes scarce.
Terrace rentals have evolved beyond just providing space. Homeowners now offer complete festival packages that include colourful kites, strong strings, comfortable seating arrangements, and traditional Gujarati food. Guests are welcomed with dishes like undhiyu-puri, jalebi, bhajiya, and til ki chikki, along with mineral water and refreshments throughout the day. Many rooftops are equipped with sofas, chairs, and even access to rooms inside the house so that elders and children can rest comfortably.
Local residents explain that this growing trend has turned rooftops into temporary tourism spaces. Families from other Indian states, as well as Non-Resident Indians, often book terraces months in advance. For them, celebrating Makar Sankranti amid the lively chaos of the old city offers a far richer experience than staying in hotels. Being surrounded by locals, sharing food, and flying kites together brings an authenticity that modern accommodations cannot replicate.
Festival Tourism Supports Local Livelihoods and Attracts Global Visitors
The rising popularity of rooftop rentals during Makar Sankranti has created a ripple effect across the local economy. Terrace owners say that the income earned over just two festival days can significantly support household expenses for the year. For some families, this seasonal opportunity has become an essential source of financial stability. Residents who may otherwise struggle economically rely on this short window to generate meaningful income.
Beyond homeowners, small local businesses also benefit immensely from the festival rush. Kite sellers, string makers, breakfast vendors, and women running home-based food businesses see a sharp rise in demand. Many earn between ₹2,000 and ₹5,000 over the two days, which provides a welcome boost to their earnings. The festival thus strengthens community-level commerce, keeping money circulating within the neighbourhood.
Foreign tourists have also increasingly become part of Ahmedabad’s Makar Sankranti celebrations. Drawn by images of colourful skies and festive rooftops, many choose to rent terraces instead of booking hotels. For them, participating in kite flying alongside local families offers a rare cultural immersion. Sharing meals, learning to control kites, and experiencing the lively rooftop atmosphere gives visitors a sense of warmth and belonging that formal tourism often lacks.
As evening approaches, the celebration takes on a magical tone. From sunset until late night, rooftops glow with lights, laughter, and bursts of fireworks that rival Diwali displays. The interconnected terraces of the walled city create a continuous festive landscape, where music, conversation, and celebration flow freely from one rooftop to another. The atmosphere becomes especially enchanting as hundreds of kites dance against the fading sky.
For families with limited means, the festival holds even deeper significance. Some residents rent out their rooftops at modest per-person rates, offering only space while guests arrange food separately. Even this limited arrangement can help such families earn ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 over the festival period, providing crucial financial relief. For them, Makar Sankranti is not only about tradition and joy but also about dignity, self-reliance, and survival.
The growing practice of rooftop rentals highlights how cultural festivals can adapt to modern needs while preserving their essence. In Ahmedabad, Makar Sankranti continues to unite people across borders, backgrounds, and generations. The festival transforms everyday rooftops into shared spaces of celebration, ensuring that the tradition of kite flying remains alive, inclusive, and economically meaningful for the community.
