12,000 artistes to perform during 7-day Kankaria Carnival

Shri Narendra Modi unveils 2,500 sq ft sandstone mural, part of 30,000 sq ft project to depicting history of Gujarat since ancient times

Ahmedabad, Sunday: Chief Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the fourth Kankaria Carnival on the banks of historic Kankaria Lake, which has over the years emerged as one the biggest cultural events of Ahmedabad.

He dedicated to the citizens 2,500 sq ft of wall paintings on sandstone, which will be a part of 30,000 sq ft of mural – a global record in the making. It is proposed to depict the heritage of the Gujarat’s history since ancient times. The topics have been chosen from the details provided by a panel of scholars and prominent citizens.

Over 12,000 artistes are scheduled to present a wide range of cultural programmes at the lakeside during the seven-day carnival, coinciding with former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s birthday.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Kankaria Lake premise has over the years become a great entertainment centre after its renovation at a cost of Rs.40-crore. People from all walks of life visit the lake throughout the year. Over 90 foreign delegations have so far visited renovated lakeside. The people of Ahmedabad are proud of its Number One rating as the most livable metro city in India.

Mr. Modi earlier took round of the Children’s Swimming Pool, Butterfly Park, Balwantrai Thakore Community Hall, Picnic House and Parking Park in the Kankaria Entertainment Zone.

Welcoming the guests, Ahmedabad Mayor Asit Vora gave details of the facelift of Kankaria Lake, made possible due to initiatives of Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Prominent among those present at the inaugural function included Revenue Minister Anandiben Patel, Cultural Minister Fakirbhai Vaghela, MPs, MLAs and Corporators and a large number of people.