Overview
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz launched the festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront by flying kites after meeting women artisans and observing kite-making.
- This year’s event features 135 international flyers from 50 countries, 65 participants from 13 Indian states, and 871 from 16 districts across Gujarat.
- Performances included a 108-artist musical ensemble featuring Indian classics and German compositions along with folk and classical dance forms.
- Kites displayed slogans and imagery ranging from Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and #GUJARAT IKF2026 to Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- An evening symphony, a cultural programme with folk singer Kinjal Dave, and illuminated kites are scheduled for January 13.