Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (January 12, 2026) inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attending as the chief guest. The two leaders launched the festival by flying kites.
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Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi were present at the event, along with members of the State Cabinet, MLAs, Municipal Corporation office-bearers, and senior State government officials.
Mr. Modi and Mr. Merz were welcomed with music and dance performances. Cultural presentations included Gujarati folk dance Beda Raas, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Mallakhamb.
The two leaders visited an exhibit reflecting the architectural heritage of Ahmedabad’s pols and havelis (traditional houses and grand residences). As part of the heritage walkway, a kite museum and a photo wall have been set up. The dignitaries were briefed on kites from different Indian States, made using various materials and techniques. They also observed demonstrations by artisans on kite-making.
The festival on Sabarmati Riverfront draws inspiration from kite-flying celebrations held across Gujarat annually ahead of Uttarayan, also known as Makar Sankranti, which falls on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) this year. It celebrates the sun’s northward journey and the transition towards summer. It is being organised by Gujarat Tourism.
A musical ensemble by 108 artists from Gujarat and Rajasthan featured instruments such as sitar, sarangi, violin, mandolin, harmonium, flute, dholak, tabla, and mridang. The performance included Vande Mataram, Vaishnav Jan, and German compositions.
This year, the festival has participation from 135 international kite flyers representing 50 countries and 65 kite flyers from 13 Indian states. In addition, 871 kite flyers from 16 districts of Gujarat are participating.
The 50 countries include Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, the U.K., the United States, Vietnam, Slovenia, Bahrain, Nepal, Turkey, and Jordan.
On January 13, at 7 p.m., a symphony performance by 108 artists and a cultural programme will be held. Folk singer Kinjal Dave will perform and illuminated kites will light up the night sky.
To introduce visitors to Gujarati cuisine and handicrafts, 25 handicraft stalls and 15 food stalls have been set up at the venue.
Published – January 12, 2026 09:45 pm IST
