Ahmedabad, Dec 25 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, officially launched the Kankaria Carnival 2025, commencing with a vibrant carnival parade that attracted numerous local residents and tourists.

In attendance were In-charge Minister Rishikesh Patel, Minister of State for Urban Development Darshanaben Vaghela, and various other public officials.

A standout feature of the evening was a spectacular drone show that lit up the Kankaria skyline with mesmerizing aerial displays, representing themes like Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi Abhiyan, and the journey from local to global, along with messages on cleanliness and acknowledgment of significant sporting events such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, and paying tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The stunning visuals captivated the audience and highlighted India’s advancing technological prowess.

During his address, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel honored Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 101st birth anniversary, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's declaration of Vajpayee’s birth anniversary as Good Governance Day in 2014.

He emphasized that effective governance is crucial for integrating marginalized communities into the development mainstream.

The Chief Minister commended Prime Minister Modi’s vision for transforming Ahmedabad through iconic urban initiatives including the Kankaria Lakefront, Sabarmati Riverfront, Atal Bridge, and city-wide events such as the Shopping Festival, Flower Show, and Kite Festival.

Patel noted that these initiatives have improved the well-being of citizens, uplifted the city's happiness index, and established high standards for urban welfare.

Reflecting on Kankaria’s transformation, Patel remarked that the area, once merely a lake, has been revitalized under Prime Minister Modi’s vision, leading to the inception of the Kankaria Carnival.

“Today, Kankaria Lake and the carnival stand as unparalleled symbols of Ahmedabad’s essence,” he stated, adding that the event embodies the spirit of ‘Virāsat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’—balancing heritage with development.

He highlighted that over 4.2 million visitors flocked to the Kankaria Lakefront in 2024, urging citizens to contribute to cleanliness efforts.

Additionally, he noted that the carnival now encompasses several development projects, evolving it into a ‘development carnival’.

Reiterating the vision of a Developed India by 2047, Patel stressed the importance of creating more sustainable and citizen-friendly cities.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for 109 public development projects valued at over Rs 526 crore, initiated by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA). These projects span Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad East, and West parliamentary constituencies, targeting civic infrastructure and urban services.

Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibhaben Jain noted that the Kankaria Carnival was initiated during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister to provide joy and recreation to citizens, a tradition that persists.

She mentioned that this year marks the 16th edition of the carnival, alongside development projects valued at Rs 526.78 crore presented to the city.

During the festivities, the Chief Minister also distributed nutrition kits as part of the TB-Free India campaign. Mayor Jain commemorated Atal Bihari Vajpayee and extended Christmas wishes to the citizens.

The opening parade themed ‘Local to Global’ was a significant attraction, culminating in a patriotic light-and-sound display and an enthralling cultural performance by acclaimed folk singer Kirtidan Gadhvi, who enchanted the audience.

Among the attendees were 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, senior officials, and countless citizens, making the inauguration of Kankaria Carnival 2025 a memorable celebration of Ahmedabad’s spirit.