International Kite Festival 2026 Kicks Off in Ahmedabad with PM Modi and German Chancellor

The International Kite Festival 2026 has commenced in Ahmedabad, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The event features kite enthusiasts from around the globe and aims to promote Gujarat's cultural heritage. With over 500,000 tourists expected, the festival highlights the region's tourist attractions. Following the festivities, the leaders will engage in discussions to strengthen the India-Germany strategic partnership. This year's festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture and diplomacy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 12:47 IST

Inauguration of the International Kite Festival

Ahmedabad, Jan 12: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the International Kite Festival-2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, where he also participated in kite flying alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Following a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram, PM Modi and Chancellor Merz proceeded to the kite festival organized by the state government.

At the festival site, the leaders engaged with women artisans to learn about the kite-making process. After the inauguration, they took a ride in an open vehicle and attempted to fly kites themselves.

The festival features 135 kite flyers from 50 different countries, along with nearly 1,000 kite enthusiasts from India, as reported by the Gujarat government.

In the days leading up to the festival, kite flyers visited various locations including Rajkot, Surat, Dholavira in Kutch, and the Statue of Unity, captivating many visitors. The festivities in Ahmedabad are set to continue until January 14.

Last year, the event drew over 383,000 visitors throughout Gujarat.

The International Kite Festival serves as a platform for Gujarat Tourism to promote key cultural and tourist sites, such as Dholavira and the Statue of Unity.

This year, the festival is expected to attract more than 500,000 tourists to Gujarat.

Following the kite festival, PM Modi and Chancellor Merz are scheduled to hold discussions at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, where they will assess the progress of the India-Germany strategic partnership, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

In the evening, Modi will participate in delegation-level talks between the two nations at Mahatma Mandir, which will be followed by a joint press conference, according to officials.

The Ministry of External Affairs previously indicated that PM Modi and Chancellor Merz would also meet with business and industry leaders to discuss regional and global issues.