Celebrating a centuries-old tradition that has taken flight in Indian skies for generations, India’s first Kite Museum, also known as the Patang Museum, is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Established in 1984, the museum is a one-of-a-kind tribute to the vibrant art and history of kite-making and flying in India.
Housed in the basement of Sanskar Kendra, a cultural center designed by world-renowned architect Le Corbusier, the museum was founded with the efforts and collection of Bhanubhai Shah, a passionate kite enthusiast who began collecting kites at the age of 21. Over the years, Shah donated more than 125 unique and artistic kites to the museum, forming the core of its collection.
From traditional Indian designs featuring mirror work and block prints to Japanese hexagonal kites and a 16-foot-long kite depicting Gujarat’s iconic Garba dance, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into kite culture from around the world. It also showcases the role of kites in historical events, scientific experiments, and literature—from ancient China to Benjamin Franklin’s experiments with electricity.
The museum plays a pivotal role during Gujarat’s famous Uttarayan festival, drawing thousands of visitors eager to explore the legacy behind the colorful spectacle that fills the skies every January.
With free entry and a location close to the heart of the city, the Patang Museum not only preserves a joyful tradition but also inspires future generations to appreciate the artistic and cultural significance of kite flying.
