Just days before Uttarayan, Ahmedabad’s kite traders are facing a downturn in sales, dampening the festive mood usually associated with the annual celebration. Vendors in the historic Jamalpur market, a key centre for the city’s kite trade, say demand has fallen sharply compared to previous years.

Traders blame the slowdown on high GST rates on essential raw materials such as paper, which have driven up production costs and pushed retail prices higher. As a result, customers are buying fewer kites this season, forcing sellers to rethink their purchasing strategies.

Many traders have appealed to the government to cut taxes on raw materials in the upcoming Union Budget, hoping such measures will help revive the traditional industry. With input costs rising and demand uncertain, several retailers are limiting their stock and purchasing only select designs expected to sell quickly.

Uttarayan will be celebrated on January 14, while Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2026, which will be the Modi government’s third term, next month. Traders remain hopeful that the budget will bring much-needed relief to the sector.