Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took to the skies on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the International Kite Festival 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, blending diplomacy with cultural celebration. The event, held at the Sabarmati Riverfront, showcased the vibrant energy and cultural richness of the annual festival, marking Uttarayan, the beginning of summer and the sun's northward journey in the Hindu calendar.
The two leaders were warmly welcomed with traditional Gujarati scarves, as artists presented folk dances and music, highlighting Gujarat's heritage. Over 1,000 kite flyers from India and around 50 countries participated in the event. Modi and Merz jointly inaugurated the festival by flying kites, a symbolic gesture of the strengthened diplomatic relations and friendship between India and Germany. The Prime Minister flew a kite bearing the message "Bharat — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," reflecting India's philosophy of the world as one family. Other kites displayed the Indian tricolor, Hindu deities, and motifs representing the friendship between the two nations.
Large crowds gathered to witness the spectacle, waving Indian and German flags, underscoring the growing partnership between the two countries. Modi explained the cultural significance of Uttarayan's traditions and decorations to Chancellor Merz. The festival, organized by Gujarat Tourism, will run for three days, featuring 135 international kite enthusiasts from 50 countries, 65 flyers from across India, and over 870 local participants from Gujarat.
Earlier in the day, Modi welcomed Merz to the Sabarmati Ashram, where they paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and viewed an exhibition on his life and legacy. Merz also recorded his remarks in the visitor's book.
Later, Modi and Merz were scheduled to hold bilateral talks, to discuss key areas of cooperation including trade and investment, technology, education, and green development. They were also expected to discuss regional and global issues.
The International Kite Festival also included a musical ensemble by 108 artists from Gujarat and Rajasthan, who played instruments such as the sitar, sarangi and tabla. A replica of a traditional pol from Ahmedabad's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Walled City added a local touch. Handicraft and food stalls were also set up to introduce visitors to Gujarati culture. On January 13, a symphony performance and cultural program are scheduled, with illuminated kites lighting up the night sky.
