Ahmedabad, Gujarat | January 12, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, began his day-long engagement in Ahmedabad with a visit to the historic Sabarmati Ashram before jointly inaugurating the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront. The visit highlighted India’s cultural heritage, Gandhian values, and growing global partnerships.

At Sabarmati Ashram, both leaders paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi by offering garlands to his statue and portrait at Hriday Kunj, the Mahatma’s former residence. They witnessed a live demonstration of charkha spinning by an ashram official, symbolising Gandhi’s philosophy of self-reliance and simplicity. Chancellor Merz also signed the visitors’ book, noting the timeless relevance of Gandhiji’s ideals of freedom, peace, and human dignity.

Following the ashram visit, Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront. The leaders were welcomed with traditional Gujarati scarves as folk artists from across the state performed vibrant dance and music, creating a festive atmosphere. The event showcased India’s cultural diplomacy, blending tradition with international engagement.

Both dignitaries participated in kite flying, including a specially designed kite carrying the message “Bharat – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” reflecting India’s philosophy of the world as one family. They also interacted with women artisans and kite makers, gaining insights into the intricate craft behind kite-making. Cultural exhibits at the venue featured traditional haveli-style structures inspired by Ahmedabad’s historic pols, with Prime Minister Modi explaining their cultural significance to the German leader.

The International Kite Festival 2026 has attracted 135 international kite flyers from nearly 50 countries, along with hundreds of Indian participants, turning Ahmedabad’s skyline into a colourful global spectacle. The main celebrations will continue until January 14, culminating on Makar Sankranti, reinforcing the festival’s role as a symbol of India’s rich traditions, unity in diversity, and cultural soft power on the world stage

 PM Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Inaugurate International Kite Festival 2026 at Sabarmati Riverfront

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The event marked a vibrant cultural moment during the German leader’s official visit to India and highlighted the growing friendship between the two nations. Earlier in the day, both leaders visited the historic Sabarmati Ashram, where they paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and reflected on his ideals of peace, self-reliance and human dignity.

At the riverfront, the Prime Minister and the German Chancellor were greeted with traditional Gujarati hospitality, colourful folk performances and cultural displays. They interacted with local artisans and kite makers, observing the intricate process of crafting kites, while traditional pol-style structures showcased Ahmedabad’s rich heritage. PM Modi explained the cultural significance of the festival, linking it to India’s spirit of unity and celebration.

The highlight of the event was the joint kite-flying by the two leaders, drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd. A specially designed kite carrying the message “Bharat – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” symbolised India’s philosophy of global harmony and shared humanity. The festival has attracted wide international participation, with kite flyers from around 50 countries joining hundreds of Indian participants, turning the Ahmedabad skyline into a display of global creativity.

The International Kite Festival 2026 will continue in Ahmedabad from January 12 to January 14, concluding on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. Beyond its festive spirit, the event stands as a platform for cultural exchange and India’s soft power outreach, blending tradition, diplomacy and people-to-people connection.