1,500 artistes from slums perform before 30-lakh spectators during 7-day Kankaria Carnival

Shri Narendra Modi announces smart card for Ahmedabad BRTS buses

Ahmedabad, Saturday: Even as curtains were drawn on the seven-day-long Kankaria Carnival here today, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said the carnival has proved to be an emotional link between the people of Ahmedabad.

Speaking on the concluding day of the carnival on the banks of historic Kankaria Lake, he said how this festival provided an opportunity to 1,500 artistes from the lowest strata of the society living in slums perform before nearly 30-lakh spectators over the last seven days.

The Chief Minister also announced starting smart card facility for the passengers traveling by BRTS Janmarg buses, being for the first time in India.

The Carnival-2011 concluded with a variety cultural function followed by pyrotechnic. He said the facelift helped the city get many national and international awards.

Welcoming the guests, Ahmedabad Mayor Asit Vora said that Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation was ever conscious of providing entertainment alongside basic civic amenities for the people of the city.

Prominent among those present at the inaugural function included Cultural Affairs Minister Fakirbhai Vaghela, Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinhji Jadeja, MPs, MLAs and Corporators and a large number of people.