Jan 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today inaugurated the 3rd International Kite Festival–2026 in New Delhi, underlining the deep cultural, historical, and agrarian significance of Makar Sankranti and related harvest festivals celebrated across India.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Shah described Makar Sankranti as a festival of farmers, noting that for cultivators across the country, the day symbolically marks the beginning of a new year. He recalled poet Kalidasa’s description of India as “Utsav-Priya Janah”, meaning a land whose people are deeply connected to festivals. He said India’s tradition of celebrating festivals in every season reflects the country’s collective spirit, social harmony, and shared cultural identity.
The Home Minister said festivals act as a unifying force, bringing society together with a common vision. He described Uttarayan as an integral part of India’s civilisational ethos, where joy, gratitude, and togetherness are celebrated through simple yet powerful traditions like kite flying.
Highlighting the historical significance of kite flying, Mr Shah recalled the Simon Commission protests, stating that one of the strongest and most creative forms of resistance occurred during Uttarayan. Across the country, people flew kites bearing the slogan “Simon Go Back”, filling the skies and sending a clear message of unity and defiance to the British rulers. He said the episode demonstrated how cultural expression became a powerful tool in India’s freedom movement.
Speaking on the occasion of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, commemorating the 1000th anniversary of the first attack on the Somnath Temple, Mr Shah said that those who attempted to destroy India’s cultural symbols have vanished from history, while the Somnath Temple continues to stand proudly. He described the temple as a symbol of the eternal nature of Sanatana Dharma and the immortality of India’s cultural foundations.
The Home Minister extended warm greetings to citizens across the country, especially farmers, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, Magh Bihu, and Uttarayan, calling these festivals a reflection of India’s diversity and unity.
The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with diplomats, cultural representatives, and participants from India and abroad, adding an international dimension to the vibrant celebrations.
