VADODARA: The 27th edition of the popular International Kite Festival to be held across four cities in Gujarat will kickstart in Vadodara on January 8 and subsequently travel to Rajkot, Bhavnagar and Surat districts of the state.
Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) and the Vadodara District Collectorate have collaborated with Gujarat Tourism to conduct this event at Navlakhi compound spread in 700 acres land of Royal Lakshmi Vilas palace here.
Talking to PTI, Gujarat Tourism Minister Saurabh Patel said the International Kite Festival has grown in stature over the years and is a great platform for exhibiting Gujarat and its vibrant culture.
"The response this year has been great with international kitists from Malaysia, Argentina, United Kingdom, Belgium, Polland, France, Ukraine and USA set to participate in the month-long festival along with large number of Indian kitists," said Patel.
The International Kite Festival has become a highly popular and successful annual event and is part of Gujarat Tourism's strategy to develop fairs and festivals to showcase and promote the culture and tourism offerings of the state.
"Thanks to this festival, Gujarat is fast assuming the enviable position of being one of the most preferred travel and tourism destinations of the country.
With every edition of the International Kite Festival we have been able to successfully showcase Gujarat and its vibrant culture to more and more people across the country and the world and our clarion call - 'Chalo Gujarat' - has evoked tremendous response," Patel added.
Kamlesh Patel, Chairman, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) said, "I am extremely happy to see the response and love that the International Kite Festival has garnered in its glorious journey covering a span of more than two decades."