New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad and shared a light moment flying kites with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The visit highlighted cultural exchange and the festive spirit of Gujarat’s globally recognised event.
Before attending the festival, the two leaders paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram. They later proceeded to the riverfront venue, where the state government has organised the annual kite festival. At the site, PM Modi and Chancellor Merz interacted with women artisans, learning about the traditional process of kite making. The leaders also took a round of the venue in an open vehicle and tried their hand at flying kites, drawing applause from spectators.
The International Kite Festival 2026 has attracted 135 kite flyers from 50 countries along with nearly 1,000 participants from across India. As part of the celebrations, international kite flyers have already performed in cities and heritage sites including Rajkot, Surat, Dholavira, and the Statue of Unity. The Ahmedabad leg of the festival will continue until January 14.
The event is expected to draw over five lakh visitors to Gujarat this year, reinforcing the state’s cultural and tourism appeal.
