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How Modi Transformed Gujarat's Kite Festival into Global Spectacle

The International Kite Festival in Gujarat, celebrating Uttarayan, was primarily a local event until the early 2000s. Then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded its transformation into a global phenomenon, launching the International Kite Festival in 2004. His administration provided financial support and training to local kite artisans, turning a small cottage industry into a livelihood for thousands of families. Today, the festival attracts participants worldwide and serves as a platform for international engagement and economic growth.

Key Points: Gujarat's Kite Festival: From Local Tradition to Global Stage

  • Local festival turned global under Modi
  • Kite-making became a major cottage industry
  • Festival now attracts international participants
  • Initiative empowered women artisans
  • Platform for global investors and diplomacy
3 min read

How Gujarat's 'Patangotsav' evolved from local celebration to a global phenomenon

Discover how PM Narendra Modi transformed Gujarat's Uttarayan kite festival into an international cultural and economic phenomenon, boosting local livelihoods.

How Gujarat's 'Patangotsav' evolved from local celebration to a global phenomenon
"The sky has never been the limit for Narendra Modi. - Modi Archive"

New Delhi, Jan 14

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the Sabarmati riverfront in Gujarat and gave him a glimpse of the International kite festival, the grandeur and splendour of the carnival too attained the global spotlight.

The International kite festival, held every year in Gujarat, marks Uttarayan - a significant period in Hindu calendar symbolising the onset of longer days. Interestingly, the kite festival was a localized celebration until 1990s and it was only in early 2000s when the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi made a determined effort to make it global.

It was under his leadership that Gujarat's 'Patangotsav' has evolved from a local celebration into a global phenomenon, the foundation for which was laid after him taking over as the Chief Minister.

Modi Archive, a popular social media handle on X, has shared a throwback image from Uttarayan 2002, when the newly sworn-in CM was celebrating Makar Sankranti from a rooftop in the heart of Ahmedabad with native families.

The video shared by Modi Archive, shows nostalgic moments of the then CM taking part in kite festival with local families and also devouring on Uttarayan feast.

It was in 2004 that CM Modi launched the International Kite festival, turning the local tradition into a global cultural event.

The Modi Archive, stating in a post, "The sky has never been the limit for Narendra Modi," informs that the kite flying industry was a small cottage industry before 2000s but the state government under Narendra Modi saw a big opportunity in it for creating jobs, income and cultural pride.

As the Gujarat CM, he initiated steps to increase the kite-making business by aiding it with financial support and providing training to locals in latest techniques, packaging and quality control.

As a result of this, artisans became more competitive. The festival's success showed that clear vision, quick action and people-focused planning could transform a local cottage industry into a global success story.

"By 2014, the kite-making business started supporting thousands of families in earning their livelihood. The festival expanded to multiple cities with international kite-fliers from dozens of nations arriving in Gujarat to participate in the celebrations," informs the X handle.

As more than 70 percent artisans in kite-making business comprise women, a transformative change was brought into their lives by connecting them to the mainstream and also ensuring their upliftment.

Today, the 'Patangotsav' has become a platform to engage international investors, diplomats and global audiences. The kite festival has indeed become a symbol of empowerment, economic growth and Gujarat's rise on the global stage.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As someone from Ahmedabad, I've seen this transformation firsthand. The energy in January is incredible now. From a small mohalla event to hosting foreign dignitaries on the Sabarmati riverfront – it's been quite a journey. The economic boost for local artisans is the real success story here.
A
Arjun K
While the global recognition is good, I hope the core spirit of Uttarayan isn't lost. It's about families coming together on rooftops, sharing undhiyu and chikkis, and the friendly "kaypo chhe!" battles. The festival's soul is in those simple moments, not just the international spectacle.
S
Sarah B
I visited the festival last year from the UK and it was absolutely mesmerizing! The colors, the skill of the fliers, the sheer joy in the air. It's brilliant how a traditional craft has been turned into an engine for tourism and women's empowerment. A masterclass in cultural diplomacy.
K
Karthik V
The article rightly highlights the focus on the kite-making industry. Transforming a cottage industry, supporting thousands of families, and with 70% women artisans – that's a solid developmental model. Other states should look at how to scale their local festivals with similar economic foresight.
M
Meera T
It's wonderful, but let's also ensure the benefits truly reach all the grassroots artisans. Sometimes in scaling up, the original creators get a smaller piece of the pie. I hope the training, financial support, and market access continue to strengthen for the actual kite-makers in the villages.

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