PM Modi-Friedrich Merz flew colorful kites together: International Kite Festival-2026 started with a bang in Ahmedabad, see Exclusive Photo

Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the International Kite Festival-2026 at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad and later enjoyed kite flying with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

After paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram, Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Marge went to the Sabarmati riverfront, where the state government has organized a kite festival.

At the venue, Modi and Marj interacted with women artisans and understood the process of kite making. After the inauguration, both the leaders traveled in an open vehicle and also flew kites. According to a Gujarat government release, 135 kite flyers from 50 countries and around 1,000 kite lovers from India are participating in the International Kite Festival-2026 in Ahmedabad.

It said that as part of the festival, kite flyers have visited places like Rajkot, Surat, Dholavira (in Kutch) and ‘Statue of Unity’ (Narmada) during the last two days and have enthralled the visitors. This festival will continue till January 14 in Ahmedabad. Last year the festival had attracted more than 3.83 lakh visitors from across Gujarat.

Through the ‘International Kite Festival’ Gujarat Tourism is attracting visitors to major cultural and tourist destinations like Dholavira and ‘Statue of Unity’. More than five lakh tourists are expected to visit Gujarat this year to witness the International Kite Festival, the release said.