Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Kicks off International Kite Festival
On a vibrant Sunday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel set the skies ablaze as he inaugurated the week-long International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad. The annual event, attracting participants from 55 countries and various Indian states, marked a lively beginning, with the Chief Minister himself taking to the skies, flying a kite amidst the cheering crowd.
This year’s festival took on special significance with participants adorning their kites with images of Lord Ram. The symbolism was in anticipation of the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22. The colourful kites became a canvas for expressions of devotion and celebration.
CM Patel’s Inaugural Words
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel expressed pride in Gujarat’s cultural prowess. He highlighted the role of festivals like Navratri and the International Kite Festival in not just showcasing culture but also in contributing to the state’s economy. Patel emphasized that such events boost the financial condition of businesses and create additional employment opportunities.
Economic Impact of Festivals
The Chief Minister underscored the economic impact of festivals, stating that they play a significant role in enhancing the state’s economy. Beyond cultural exchange, events like the International Kite Festival contribute to the financial well-being of businesses, fostering growth and prosperity.
Gujarat’s Global Appeal
The International Kite Festival, now in its week-long celebration, has gained global recognition. Kite enthusiasts from across the world and various Indian states converge in Gujarat each year, making it a truly international affair. The festival’s popularity is a testament to Gujarat’s ability to showcase its culture and draw people from diverse backgrounds.
PM Modi’s Vision for Gujarat
Chief Minister Patel acknowledged the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly noting the launch of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit two decades ago. The summit, initiated by Modi, aimed at propelling the state towards comprehensive development, a vision that Patel believes is being realized with Gujarat’s flourishing industries and businesses.
Patel praised PM Modi’s ‘pro-people approach,’ emphasizing that the common man stands to benefit from the economic progress, income growth, and employment generation championed by the government. This approach aligns with the Prime Minister’s commitment to inclusive development that reaches every stratum of society.
Global Participants and Cities Hosting the Festival
The International Kite Festival is not confined to Ahmedabad alone; it spreads its wings across various cities and tourist destinations in Gujarat, including Ektanagar, Dwarka, Dhordo, and Vadnagar. The festival serves as a cultural thread connecting diverse regions within the state.
The 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in Gandhinagar on January 10. Patel linked this flagship event to the Prime Minister’s vision of comprehensive development, marking two decades of progress since its inception.
International Kite Festival Highlights
As the festival unfolds, it promises a spectacle with 153 kite flyers from 55 countries, 68 from 12 Indian states, and 865 from 23 cities within Gujarat participating. Beyond the kites, a thematic pavilion tracing the history of kites has been erected, offering a deeper insight into the art and tradition.