Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz began their visit to Ahmedabad on Monday morning with a visit to the historic Gandhi Ashram, before proceeding to the Sabarmati Riverfront for the inauguration of the International Kite Festival 2026. Chancellor Merz is on a two-day official visit to India.
At the Gandhi Ashram, located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, the two leaders paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. They also visited Hriday Kunj, Gandhiji’s residence within the ashram, where they observed the traditional process of khadi weaving.
According to a statement from the Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust (SAPMT), Chancellor Merz wrote a message in German in the visitors’ book. An English translation shared by the Trust quoted him as saying:
“Mahatma Gandhi’s unshakeable belief in the power of freedom and the dignity of each and every individual inspires us to this day. This human legacy unites Indians and Germans as friends in a world that may more than ever be in need of Gandhi’s teachings.”
At the International Kite Festival 2026, Prime Minister Modi explained to Chancellor Merz the heritage and cultural legacy of Ahmedabad, showcased through displays featuring old haveli-style structures symbolising the city’s traditional pols (residential clusters). The venue also included a heritage walkway and a kite museum, offering insights into the evolution of kite-making across India.
The dignitaries received detailed briefings on kites from various Indian states, crafted using diverse materials and techniques, and witnessed live demonstrations by skilled artisans highlighting the traditional art of kite-making.
They were welcomed with vibrant cultural performances, including Gujarat’s Beda Raas, classical dance forms such as Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam, and the ancient traditional sport of Mallakhamb. While the main event venue is located at Vallabh Sadan on the west bank of the Sabarmati Riverfront, a striking colour display in the hues of the Indian and German national flags greeted the leaders on the east bank.
Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz toured the venue in an open vehicle, as colourful kites filled the sky above. They also tried their hands at flying various kites, including a multi-kite string in Indian tricolour shades, as well as kites flown by Colombian and German teams.
Adding to the celebration, 108 artists from Gujarat and Rajasthan presented a musical ensemble featuring instruments such as the sitar, sarangi, violin, mandolin, harmonium, flute, dholak, tabla, and mridang. The performance included renditions of Vande Mataram, Vaishnav Jan, and select German melodies, symbolising the growing friendship between India and Germany.
A special evening programme is scheduled on the 13th at 7:00 pm, featuring a symphony performance by 108 artists along with a cultural presentation, promising an immersive blend of music and colours.
The International Kite Festival 2026 has drawn participation from 1,071 kite flyers, including 135 international flyers from 50 countries, 65 participants from 13 Indian states, and 871 kite flyers from 16 districts of Gujarat. Countries represented include Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Italy, Brazil, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Turkey, Jordan, and many others.
Following the Ahmedabad events, Chancellor Merz is scheduled to proceed to Gandhinagar, where he will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre. The meeting is expected to be followed by press statements by both leaders.
Chancellor Merz will spend the night in Ahmedabad before departing for Bengaluru on Tuesday morning. This visit marks his first official visit to India and his first bilateral visit outside the European Union and NATO countries.