Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the much-awaited Kankaria Carnival 2025 on Wednesday, bringing together thousands of residents, visitors, and public representatives for the annual celebration at Kankaria Lake. The inauguration was marked by a lively carnival parade, setting a festive tone for the 16th edition of the event.
Event Highlights and Drone Show Spectacle
The evening saw a spectacular drone show illuminating the Kankaria skyline. The aerial formations showcased key themes including Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi Abhiyan, Local to Global, cleanliness initiatives, India’s achievements in global sporting events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, and a tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 101st birth anniversary. The cutting-edge visuals captivated spectators and highlighted India’s growing technological and creative capabilities.
Tributes to Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Governance Vision
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhupendra Patel paid homage to Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s declaration of Vajpayee’s birth anniversary as Good Governance Day in 2014. Patel emphasized the importance of good governance in bringing marginalized communities into the mainstream of development.
He also highlighted the transformation of Ahmedabad under PM Modi’s leadership, citing landmark urban projects such as the Kankaria Lakefront, Sabarmati Riverfront, Atal Bridge, and signature city-level events including the Shopping Festival, Flower Show, and Kite Festival. “These initiatives have not only improved the quality of life for citizens but have also set benchmarks in urban development,” Patel noted.
Kankaria Carnival: Heritage Meets Development
Recalling Kankaria’s journey from being known merely for its lake to becoming a vibrant hub of recreation and culture, the Chief Minister said, “Kankaria Carnival today stands as a symbol of heritage alongside development—‘Virāsat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’.” Over 4.2 million visitors had explored the lakefront in 2024, he added, urging citizens to help maintain cleanliness and promote sustainable urban living.
Launch of 109 Development Projects Worth Rs 526 Crore
Alongside the carnival festivities, CM Patel inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 109 civic-oriented development projects, collectively valued at over Rs 526 crore. These projects, undertaken by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA), span the Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad East, and Ahmedabad West parliamentary constituencies. They include major works in civic infrastructure, urban services, water supply, roads, and public amenities.
Mayor’s Remarks and Community Engagement
Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibhaben Jain highlighted that the Kankaria Carnival was originally launched during PM Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister to provide joy and recreation for citizens, a tradition that continues. She stated that this year’s carnival, alongside Rs 526.78 crore worth of development projects, reflects the city’s commitment to progress and citizen-centric governance.
During the event, the Chief Minister distributed nutrition kits under the TB-Free India campaign. Mayor Jain also paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee and extended Christmas greetings to the citizens.
Cultural Performances and Closing Ceremonies
The carnival parade, themed ‘Local to Global’, was the highlight of the evening. The celebrations concluded with a patriotic light-and-sound show and a cultural performance by renowned folk singer Kirtidan Gadhvi, enthralling the audience and leaving a lasting impression of the city’s cultural vibrancy.
Prominent Attendees
The inauguration ceremony was attended by In-charge Minister Rishikesh Patel, Minister of State for Urban Development Darshanaben Vaghela, MPs Hasmukh Patel and Dinesh Makwana, Deputy Mayor Jatin Patel, Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani, city MLAs, AMC Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, AUDA CEO D.P. Desai, and senior officials, alongside thousands of citizens who participated in the grand celebration.
Looking Ahead
Kankaria Carnival 2025 stands as a testament to Ahmedabad’s evolving urban landscape, blending heritage, culture, and modern development. With continued investments in civic infrastructure and community-focused initiatives, the city reinforces its position as a model for sustainable urban growth in India.
Read also: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Launches Integrated Renewable Energy Policy 2025 on Good Governance Day
