25 December 2025 Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday inaugurated the Kankaria Carnival 2025 at the historic Kankaria Lakefront, calling the festival a reflection of Ahmedabad’s cultural pride and the state’s commitment to inclusive development.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary, recalling that the day is observed as Good Governance Day. He said good governance ensures that development reaches every section of society and improves the quality of life of citizens.
The CM credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for transforming Ahmedabad through landmark urban development projects such as the Kankaria Lakefront redevelopment, Sabarmati Riverfront and Atal Bridge, stating that these initiatives have reshaped the city into a modern yet culturally rooted urban centre.
Highlighting the importance of cultural events, Patel said Kankaria Lake has evolved from a traditional waterbody into a vibrant hub of recreation, tourism and community life, becoming an integral part of Ahmedabad’s identity. He described the carnival as a living example of the philosophy of “Virāsat Bhi, Vikas Bhi”, where heritage and development progress together.
The Chief Minister also appealed to citizens to actively cooperate with civic authorities, maintain cleanliness, follow safety guidelines and contribute to making the carnival a joyful and secure experience for all visitors.
Organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, the week-long Kankaria Carnival features cultural performances, entertainment programmes and family-oriented activities, and is expected to attract lakhs of visitors during the year-end celebrations.
The carnival is free for all visitors — features a rich programme of cultural performances, entertainment shows, and family-friendly attractions spanning multiple stages around the lake. Highlights include laser shows, drone displays, music performances, and artistic showcases designed to appeal to all age groups.
Ahmedabad Police have also announced extensive traffic regulations and road restrictions around the carnival site to manage smooth vehicular movement during the festival period. Zones near the lakefront have been designated as no-parking, no-stop and no-U-turn areas to avoid congestion and maintain safety.
Started in 2008, the Kankaria Carnival has grown into one of Ahmedabad’s signature year-end events, blending cultural heritage, entertainment and community celebration while reflecting the city’s festive spirit and urban vibrancy.
