Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2025 in Ahmedabad on January 11, attracting 143 participants from 47 countries. Addressing the gathering, Patel highlighted Gujarat’s dominant role in the national kite industry, noting that the state commands a 65% share of the Indian kite market and exports kites to countries such as the US, UK and Canada.
The festival, being held at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, will run from January 11 to January 14. The celebrations are also set to expand across the state, with events at the Statue of Unity (Ekta Nagar), Rajkot, and Vadodara on January 12, followed by Surat, Shivrajpur and Dhordo on January 13.
Tourism Minister Mulu Bera shared that the festival showcases the participation of 143 international kite flyers from 47 nations, alongside 52 representatives from 11 Indian states, making it a truly global event.
During the inauguration, CM Patel reminisced about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to modernise the festival during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, integrating it with tourism initiatives. “This kite festival has given Gujarat a global identity,” Patel said.
To mark the festival’s commencement, the Chief Minister released a tricolour balloon into the sky. He also highlighted the presence of ambassadors from 11 countries, who have travelled to Gujarat to witness the vibrant event.
Patel underscored the significant economic impact of the festival, stating that it aligns with PM Modi’s Vocal for Local initiative. He noted that vendors at food and craft stalls earn substantial profits during the event. “Last year, over five and a half lakh people attended the festival, contributing to the local economy,” he said.
The Chief Minister also lauded Gujarat’s global reputation for kite manufacturing, naming Ahmedabad, Nadiad, Khambhat, and Surat as major production hubs. “Today, Gujarat holds a 65% share of the country’s kite market, and we export kites to nations like the US, UK and Canada,” he remarked.
Concluding his speech, Patel expressed optimism about Gujarat’s continued growth. “The kite of Gujarat’s development will soar to new heights, in line with PM Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047,” he said.
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