Gujarat is all set to host the largest kite festival in the world between January 8 and 14. Participation of fliers from 52 countries and 14 Indian states will make it a one-of-its-kind festival in the world, worthy enough to enter the record books. In 2020, kite fliers from 43 countries participated in the marquee event. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will inaugurate the event which will be hosted in 10 cities and towns of the state, including the main event at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. The other nine destinations are: Vadodara, Vadnagar, Statue of Unity in Kevadiya, Dwarka, Surat, Somnath, Rajkot, Dholera, and White Rann of Kutch (Dhordo). The foreign kite fliers will be taken to Vadodara and Vadnagar on January 9, the Statue of Unity in Kevadiya and Dwarka on January 10, and Surat and Somnath on January 11. The festival will be celebrated in Rajkot and Dholera on January 12 whereas in Dhordo, White Rann of Kutch the programme is scheduled on January 13. Dholera and Vadnagar have been added to the schedule for the first time to promote the former as a Smart City and latter as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

As a precautionary measure, kite fliers from countries with a large number of Covid cases have not been invited.
MD of Gujarat Tourism Alok Pandey said, “We are trying to set a world record this time by inviting kite fliers from over 52 countries and 14 states of India.”
He added, “We had invited fliers from 65 countries. However, looking at the spread of Covid, we have requested fliers from 13 countries, including China, to give the event 
a miss.”
The mega event will also have a theme pavilion, kite-making workshop, handicraft and food stalls. Cultural events will be held in the evenings to entertain the participants and citizens.

For the sake of record

125 kite fliers from 52 countries, 
65 from 14 Indian states and 
660 from 22 Gujarat cities to take part
Vadodara, Vadnagar, Statue of Unity in Kevadiya, Dwarka, Surat, Somnath, Rajkot, Dholera and White Rann of Kutch (Dhordo) to host besides Ahmedabad
1,200 kids to perform Surya Namaskar at the inauguration ceremony on January 8, 8 am
Entry free for 10 am-5 pm event 
from January 8 to 14
Seating arrangement for 3,000 people
Event to include kite-making workshop, 
handicrafts and food stalls