Drones, pets walking ramp and Dubai’s pyro show to grace Kankaria Carnival 2025

As the year comes to an end, Ahmedabad’s most awaited cultural celebration — the Kankaria Carnival 2025 — is all set to return with grand attractions and advanced crowd-management measures. The seven-day festival will be held from December 25 to December 31, 2025, around the iconic Kankaria Lake.

This year, the 18th edition of the Kankaria Carnival is expected to attract 80,000 to one lakh visitors, making it one of the biggest cultural events in the city.

New attractions added this year

Along with cultural programmes and musical performances, several new attractions have been introduced this year to enhance the visitor experience. These include:

A spectacular Drone Show

A unique Pet Fashion Show

Dubai’s Pyro Show, also known as Dance with Fire

In addition to these, renowned Gujarati singers such as Kirtidan Gadhvi, Geeta Rabari, Ishani Dave and Brijraj Gadhvi will perform during the festival.

Food and culture from across India

Visitors will also get a taste of India’s diversity, as special stalls offering famous dishes from other states have ben set up separately. Cultural programmes representing different regions will further add to the festive spirit.

Technology for crowd management and safety

For the first time, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is using advanced technology to manage crowd safety and prevent stampede-like situations.

Head count cameras have been installed at all entry and exit gates. These cameras will provide live data on how many people have entered and how many are present inside. If the crowd reaches 80,000 to 1 lakh, gates will be closed immediately as a safety measure

Around 34 CCTV cameras and drone surveillance will also be deployed for continuous monitoring

Timings and Inauguration

Free entry will be available for all visitors from 4 pm to 10 pm

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will inaugurate the Kankaria Carnival at 7 pm on December 25

Three stages, seven days of performances

AMC has set up three stages for performances:

Stage 1: Near Pushpakunj Gate

Stage 2: Near Balvatika

Stage 3: Near Vyayam Vidyalaya

Different cultural programmes have been scheduled across all three stages throughout the seven days of the festival.