Independence Day: From kites to bikes, Delhi finds new ways to celebrate 80 years of freedom

From rooftop kite parties over Jama Masjid to a 50-km biker ride and an 80-km cycling challenge, Delhi is gearing up to mark Independence Day on the move.

Around 500 motorcyclists will set off on a 50-km ride to Murthal as part of Tiranga Trail Ride 3.0.

Rev up for the Tiranga

For some Delhiites, the spirit of freedom is best celebrated with engines roaring and the Tricolour flying high. On August 16, around 500 motorcyclists will set off on a 50-km ride to Murthal as part of Tiranga Trail Ride 3.0. There, riders will come together over patriotic songs and food. “Setting off on bike rides together as a community is all about brotherhood and unity; that is what Independence Day means to us,” says Bharat Chauhan, founder of Kafira Riderz Bikers Community. He calls it their “way of paying tribute to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru and the brotherhood among all the freedom fighters who helped us get independence”.

Catch It Live

Where: Vikram Batra Chowk

Timing: 6am

Entry: Starting at ₹399 (Call 9910800102)

Two experiences in Old Delhi are bringing back the nostalgia of kite flying, a traditional Independence Day activity.

Azaadi ka rang, patang ke sang

Few things spell Independence Day in Delhi like a sky dotted with colourful kites. This August 15, two experiences in Old Delhi are bringing back that nostalgia. At the Patang Aur Pech Festival 2026, participants are invited in their ethnic best. “Every guest gets kites, dor and a charkhi, with ustads on hand to teach you how to fly. Historian and author Rana Safvi will also join us to speak about how kites and freedom became tied together in this city,” shares Abu Sufiyan, founder of Tales of City.

Catch It Live

Where: Mushk Cafe, Urdu Bazar, Jama Masjid

Timing: 4pm onwards

Entry: Starting ₹3,200 (Register at talesofcity.com)

Stories of kite-flying in Purani Dilli

Fouzia Dastango, India’s first female Dastango, will weave stories around the city’s kite-flying traditions at the home and terrace of Sana Begum from Dastarkhwane Sana Begum, who will also serve up a special spread at the Azaadi Ki Patangbaazi. “The idea is to use storytelling to explore the long-standing royal tradition of kite flying to Independence Day in Old Delhi,” says Ramit Mitra, founder of DelhiByFoot. Fouzia explains, “Main artificial kahaaniyan nahin sunaungi, ki kite aise banti thi. Main Purani Dilli ke logon ki kahaaniyan sunaungi, jaise 1950 ke baad logon ka kya taluq raha hai patangbaazi se. Jaise Mizra Chapati ke baare mein... Main yahan ki deewani auraton aur pagle aadmiyon ke baare mein bataungi.”

Catch It Live

Where: Old Delhi Timing: 4pm onwards Entry: ₹1,200 for children (7-14); ₹2,300 for adults (Call 9810011955)

The Freedom 80 Ride will see participants pedal 80 km, with a kick-off from the Commonwealth Games Village.

Pedal for freedom

As India marks its 80th Independence Day, cyclists in the Capital are taking the number quite literally. The Freedom 80 Ride will see participants pedal 80 km, with a kick-off from the Commonwealth Games Village at 5.30am and a ride all the way to Bel Chowk in Greater Noida. For Kamal Bisht, founder of The Cycle Club Delhi, the ride is about more than clocking kilometres. “It is a tribute to resilience, discipline, fitness and the freedom that inspires us to keep moving forward,” he says. “Freedom wasn’t gifted to us but was earned through courage, sacrifice and unity.” And you don’t necessarily have to be in Delhi to join in. Cyclists elsewhere can complete an 80-km ride on August 15, record it on a GPS cycling app and participate remotely, turning the celebration into one that stretches well beyond the Capital.

Catch It Live

Where: Commonwealth Games Village, Akshardham

Timing: 5.30am

Entry: ₹250 (Call 9810386658)

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