New Delhi/Gandhinagar Jan 8 (.) Preparations are in full swing for the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Gujarat with the two leaders set to visit the Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad and jointly inaugurate the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront on January 12.
Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the kite festival in Ahmedabad on Monday, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz present as the chief guest.
The kite festival, which has emerged as a major tourist attraction, is being held in Ahmedabad from January 12 to 14. It will feature international and national kite flyers showcasing a variety of large and artistic kites. A special night kite-flying session is scheduled for January 13. Other highlights include a heritage haveli and ancient bridge installation reflecting Ahmedabad’s architectural traditions, a colourful handicraft market, a kite museum along the heritage walkway, iconic photo-wall installations, and cultural programmes. Renowned folk singer Kinjalben Dave will also perform during the festival.
A total of 1,071 kite enthusiasts are set to participate in the International Kite Festival, including 135 international flyers from 50 countries, and 65 participants from 13 Indian states. Last year, the festival attracted more than 3.83 lakh visitors across Gujarat. According to Gujarat Tourism estimates, over five lakh tourists are expected to visit the state during the 2026 edition of the festival.
Gujarat earlier witnessed the high-profile visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2014, within six months of Modi becoming PM. PM Modi had taken President Jinping around Gandhi Ashram and the Sabarmati Riverfront. Gujarati culture was on full display at both the spots, especially the Riverfront park.
In September 2017, PM Modi had hosted then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe in Ahmedabad for the 12th India-Japan Annual Summit, which included an eight km roadshow.
In January 2018, he hosted Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Gujarat, with both participating in a roadshow and visiting the Sabarmati Ashram and the iCreate Center.
US President Donald Trump, in his first term, had visited Gujarat in February 2020 for the “Namaste Trump” event at the Motera Stadium.
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Ahmedabad in January 2024 as the Chief Guest for the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Summit, and participated in a major roadshow.
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