International Kite Festival-2024 is taking place at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad from January 7th to 14th. The kite business has become a source of livelihood for numerous workers today
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, January 8, 2024: On the occasion of the inauguration of the International Kite Festival-2024, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, stated that the nation's economy is scaling new heights due to the development of industries and business, thanks to the futuristic ideology and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized that under the visionary guidance of the Prime Minister the country's developmental endeavours are soaring to great heights.
Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2024 by releasing the tricolour balloon into the sky.
At the event, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel highlighted that two decades ago, the Prime Minister of the country and then Chief Minister of the state, Shri Narendra Modi, initiated the Vibrant Gujarat Summit with the vision of hoisting the kite of holistic development for Gujarat on the global stage. He further mentioned that the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 is set to commence next week.
The Chief Minister further emphasized that the Prime Minister has fostered the tradition of a 'Pro-People approach,' ensuring that the benefits of economic progress, income growth, and employment generation reach the common man.
Addressing the International Kite Festival, the Chief Minister noted that Shri Narendra Modi, who was the Chief Minister and Prime Minister at that time, played a pivotal role in establishing the tradition of celebrating the International Kite Festival annually. Under his unique vision, the popular Uttarayan Kite Festival was propelled to global fame. Presently, this Gujarat-based kite festival has gained worldwide recognition. The festival's success is highlighted by the annual participation of kite flyers from all corners of the country, he further emphasized.
The Chief Minister highlighted the Prime Minister's visionary concept of 5T, encompassing Talent, Tradition, Tourism, Trade, and Technology. This distinctive vision has been outlined for the holistic development of Gujarat. To transform the Prime Minister's vision into reality, he underlined the importance of incorporating the 5 T's into all facets of the festival through active public participation.
Discussing the progress of Gujarat, the Chief Minister emphasized that whether it's the Vibrant Navratri festival or the International Kite Festival, Gujarat consistently showcases its culture and influence. These initiatives contribute to the state's economic fortification. The Chief Minister also highlighted that such endeavours not only enhance the financial well-being of daily wage earners but also generate additional job opportunities in related sectors.
Addressing the kite industry in Gujarat, the Chief Minister mentioned the cumulative growth of the kite business in the state. Gujarat has emerged as the largest kite-producing market in the country, capturing a 40 per cent market share. Plus, the kite business now serves as a livelihood for many working individuals, generating employment opportunities. Beyond kites, various trades such as string manufacturing, spinners, glue strips, and delicacies like talsankali, and undhiyu are also associated with this thriving industry today.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has transformed Gujarat's tourist destinations into favourite destinations both nationally and internationally. Under his guidance, all tourist spots in Gujarat are steadily progressing. In 2007, then Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi envisioned Dhordo in Gujarat as a hub for global tourism, and today, his vision is fulfilled. It is a matter of pride for all of us that Dhordo of Kutch has been honoured with the Best Tourism Village Award by the World Tourism Organization UNWTO.
Addressing the International Kite Festival 2024, the Chief Minister highlighted the diverse celebrations taking place across various cities in Gujarat this year. These festivals are being commemorated while preserving the state's ancient heritage. A theme pavilion, narrating the history of kites, has been established at the International Kite Festival. Additionally, in line with the "Vocal for Local" initiative, craft market stalls and food and beverage stalls catering to kite enthusiasts have been set up, facilitating local artisans to showcase and sell their handmade products at their doorstep, the Chief Minister further elaborated.
The Chief Minister expressed the belief that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country's development kite soars high in the sky, and the holistic development kite of Gujarat has also ascended to great heights.
In his welcoming address at the International Kite Festival, Tourism Minister Shri Mulubhai Bera highlighted that Utrayan is a day dedicated to worshipping the Sun. The beginning of the International Kite Festival, initiated by the former Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi, annually attracts kite enthusiasts from across the country. Presently, guided by Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, this kite festival has expanded to include other tourist destinations and cities within the state.
The tourism minister also noted that the kite festival, inaugurated under the direction of the Prime Minister, has evolved into a global celebration today. Discussing the development of tourist spots, he added that the state government is actively working to enhance tourism by developing various historical, religious, and tourist sites in Gujarat and improving the associated infrastructure. The tourism minister also announced that Gujarat will host the upcoming 69th Filmfare Award. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Gujarat is reaching new heights of development, he added.
During the event, Rushi Kumars presented Aditya Stuti Vandana. The Chief Minister and other dignitaries welcomed the parade of kite flyers representing various countries and states. Additionally, a vibrant performance titled 'Gujarat Means Growth' and 'Gujarat Vikas no Patang' was presented by the Department of Youth Services, Sports, and Culture.
The International Kite Festival saw the presence of Minister of State for Cottage Industries and Cooperation, Shri Jagdish Vishwakarma, Ahmedabad Mayor, Smt. Pratibha Jain, guests from both domestic and international spheres, kite flyers, diplomatic representatives, local MLAs, AMUCO office bearers, councillors, and other dignitaries.
It's worth noting that the International Kite Festival-2024 is taking place at Sabarmati Riverfront, Vallabh Sadan in Ahmedabad from January 7th to 14th. The event features 153 international kite flyers from 55 countries, 68 national kite flyers from 12 states, and 865 kite enthusiasts from 23 cities in Gujarat. These participants are set to delight viewers with kites of various shapes soaring through the sky.
As is the tradition, the Kite Festival is being organized in various cities and tourist destinations this year as well. Festivities are scheduled in Vadodara on January 8, Ektanagar and Dwarka on January 9, Surat and Rajkot on January 10, Dhordo and Vadnagar on January 11, and Nadabet on January 12.
Throughout the International Kite Festival, spanning from January 7th to 13th, cultural programs have been scheduled every day from 7 pm to 9 pm. The state has witnessed a surge in the inflow of domestic and international tourists, credited to the International Kite Festival. The strategic planning by the tourism department has not only generated employment opportunities at the local level but has also contributed to strengthening the economy. People involved in the tourism sector are experiencing both direct and indirect employment, thereby enhancing the overall standard of living.
153 kite enthusiasts from 55 countries are participating in the kite competition in Gujarat
Among the participating nations are Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Republic of Korea, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam.
68 kite flyers from 12 states taking part in kite competition
Contestants from states such as Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh are participating in the kite competition.
participation of 865 kite flyers from 23 cities
Contestants from Ahmedabad, Amreli, Anand, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Kutch, Botad, Gandhinagar, Jasdan, Junagadh, Kheda, Luwara, Mota Bhadia, Navsari, Oudh, Patan, Rajkot, Ranpur, Sabarkantha, Savarkundla, Surat, Thangarh, and Vadodara actively took part in the kite competition.
