Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attended the event as the chief guest. The two leaders jointly launched the festival by flying kites. Chancellor Merz was on a two-day official visit to India, marking his first visit to Asia after assuming office as German Chancellor.
Key highlights of India–Germany visit in Ahmedabad
- Both dignitaries visited Sabarmati Ashram, where they paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.
- Chancellor Merz witnessed the traditional process of khadi yarn weaving using the charkha (spinning wheel).
- They also visited Hriday Kunj, the residence of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi within the ashram, and observed khadi weaving activities.
- The visit highlighted India’s freedom movement legacy and Gandhi’s philosophy of self-reliance.
Kochrab Ashram and Sabarmati Ashram
Kochrab Ashram
- First ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi after returning from South Africa.
- Founded on 25 May 1915 near Kochrab village, Ahmedabad.
- Barrister Jivanlal Desai offered his bungalow to start the ashram.
- Gandhiji drafted the Ashram observances here.
Sabarmati Ashram
- Shifted from Kochrab to Sabarmati on 17 June 1917.
- Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad district.
- Also known as Satyagraha Ashram.
- Gandhiji lived here from 1917 to 1930.
- Hriday Kunj was named by Kakasaheb Kalelkar.
- The Dandi March was launched from here on 12 March 1930.
International Kite Festival – background and significance
- Held annually ahead of Uttarayan / Makar Sankranti (14 January), marking the sun’s northward journey and transition towards summer.
- Organised by Gujarat Tourism.
- Aims to promote Gujarat’s culture and tourism, including destinations like Dholavira and the Statue of Unity.
- In 2025, the festival attracted over 3.83 lakh visitors across Gujarat.
International Kite Festival 2026- key features
- Venue: Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad.
- Cultural programme:
- Musical ensemble by 108 artists from Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- Instruments included sitar, sarangi, violin, mandolin, harmonium, flute, dholak, tabla, and mridang.
- Performances featured Vande Mataram, Vaishnav Jan, and German musical compositions.
Participation details
- 135 international kite flyers from 50 countries.
- 65 kite flyers from 13 Indian states.
- 871 kite flyers from 16 districts of Gujarat.
- Notable international participation from Indonesia, Israel, Russia, Algeria, Australia, Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, and several others.