The event opened on December 25 at Kankaria Lake, offering visitors drone shows, pyro displays, cultural performances, and interactive exhibits until December 31. Entry remains free daily from 4 PM to 10 PM.
Patel dedicated development projects worth ₹526 crore, including lakefront upgrades, libraries, water centers, Anganwadis, markets, senior parks, and smart schools.
Singer Kirtidan Gadhvi headlined the opening with folk performances, following a rendition of Vande Mataram.
Over 46,000 visitors arrived by 6 PM on day one, despite chilly weather. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation introduced advanced crowd management: head-count cameras at gates, CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, and real-time tracking from a police control room. Gates close temporarily if attendance nears 80,000-100,000.
Three main stages host daily programs from morning to night, including women and children-focused sessions. Highlights feature a pet fashion show, Olympic replica, Mission for Million Trees exhibit, and a 'Ghar Ghar Swadeshi' parade promoting local culture.
Medical vans, first-aid teams, lost-and-found desks, and fire services ensure safety, while traffic restrictions ease movement around the venue.
The carnival reinforces Ahmedabad's blend of tradition and modernity, boosting civic pride and tourism as the year ends.
