Gujarat CM inaugurates International Kite Festival 2016

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today inaugurated the 28th edition of International Kite Festival here where kite enthusiasts from across the world converged to take part in the event.

Patel on the occasion thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for undertaking the initiative to hold such festivals in the state during his tenure as the chief minister.

She also claimed that the Festival has boosted the kite making industry in Gujarat as well as attracted tourists in the state over the years.

"Just like this kite festival, our Prime Minister started many such festivals to make the people of Gujarat prosperous. Thanks to this festival, the kite making business in Gujarat has grown from Rs 100 crore to Rs 700 crore within last 10 years. It has helped all those who are in the business of making kites and other related products," she said.

The inaugural function, held at Sabarmati Riverfront here, was attended by several dignitaries, including Governor O P Kohli and Minister of State for Tourism Jayesh Radadiya.

In his address, Radadiya said professional kite flyers from 29 countries are taking part in the four-day event, which is simultaneously celebrated in several other parts of state.

"As many as 98 kite flyers and enthusiasts from 29 different countries have come here to take part in this festival. Apart from them, 55 participants from eight different states and 28 from Gujarat will also showcase their talent here," Radadiya said.

Participants from countries like USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Netherlands, Singapore, Turkey, Vietnam, Poland, Argentina and Brazil are taking part in this event, said Radadiya.

"Gujarat is fast becoming a favourable tourist destination due to such festivals. In 2013-14, the state had attracted 2.87 crore tourists. The next year, more than 3.26 crore tourist visited. Thanks to such festivals," he added.

Besides the main kite festival, state tourism department has also simultaneously organised the festival in other cities including Botad, Porbandar, Mandvi, Surendranagar, Khambhat and Modhera.