What Happened at the International Kite Festival 2026? PM Modi and Chancellor Merz Take Flight!

The International Kite Festival 2026 kicked off in Ahmedabad with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz participating in the festivities. The event features kite flyers from 50 countries and aims to attract over 500,000 tourists to Gujarat. With activities running until January 14, the festival showcases the region's cultural heritage and tourism potential. Discover more about this vibrant celebration and its significance in promoting Gujarat's attractions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 11:55 IST

Celebrating the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad

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.

Before the festival, PM Modi honored Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram, after which he and Chancellor Merz proceeded to the kite festival organized by the state government.

During their time at the event, the leaders engaged with women artisans to learn about kite-making techniques. Following 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, participants visited various locations, including Rajkot, Surat, Dholavira in Kutch, and the Statue of Unity, captivating visitors along the way. The kite festival in Ahmedabad is set to run until January 14.

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

The International Kite Festival aims to promote Gujarat's cultural and tourist attractions, including Dholavira and the Statue of Unity.

This year, the state anticipates more than 500,000 tourists will come to experience the festival.