Chairman Gujarat Tourism Corporation, Shri Kamleshbhai Patel said,' In the run up to Swarnim Gujarat Festivities, the 20th International Kite Festival would create unique influence for the National and International Kitists. Gujarat would scale sublime heights. This festival offers a glorious opportunity and bright avenues of development.' More than 225 Kite-Lovers are taking part.

Shri Kamleshbhai Patel inaugurated the International Kite Competition at Sabarmati Riverfront today. He gave details about the striking features of the International Kite Festival. Besides a work-shop on Kite, Food-Stalls and Craft-Bazzar and theme pavilions are created. Gujarat strives to reach a significant milestone on 1st May-2010, a date with history; Gujarat celebrates ‘Suvarna-Jayanti’ of attaining Statehood, the Theme-pavilion depicts the theme of ‘Swarnim Gujarat’.

Kitists from 32 nations had displayed their kite-making and kite flying skills, the kites of different designs, shapes, colours and sizes had grabbed the sky. Kites also depicted their national and cultural identities. Shri Aslambhai of Kalupur-Ahmedabad had uniquely welcomed the year 2010, by flying a chain of kites- 11000 kites. Prizes are instituted in five different categories.

The same group of Kitists would take part in to the competitions arranged at Porbandar and Surat. On 14th, they would assimilate with residents of Pols, and they would enjoy traditional Uttarayan with them.

Chief Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi would inaugurate the International Kite Festival on 11th; the Governor of Gujarat Dr.Smt. Kamlajee would preside over the function.

Foreign Kitists belongs to Australia, Cambodia, Denmark, Ecuador, Germany, Greece, Italy, Holland, Israel, Lebanon, Switzerland, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam, U.S.A, and many other countries. From Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana the Kite-Lovers have taken part.

Tourism Secretary Shri Vipul Mitra outlined the innovative approach and vision of the Chief Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi. The festivals have not only boosted the growth of tourism sector, but it has given a new identity too. There is significant rise in foreign tourist’s inflow.