‘Patang-O-Dori’ Kite Exhibition Kicks Off Golden Jubilee Celebrations in Ahmedabad

THE INAUGURATION OF THE GOLDFEST 2026 –IJFA Launches ‘GOLDFEST’ to Celebrate 50 Years of Indo-Japan Ties in Gujarat

Gujarat’s Journey to ‘Mini-Japan’ Hits 50-Year Milestone with Multi-City Cultural Fest

To Celebrate 50 Momentous Years of Friendship Indo-Japan Friendship Association, Gujarat to host GOLDFEST
from January 10 to 14, 2026- Ms. Megumi Shimada, Consul for Cultural Affairs, Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai inaugurated Grand Japanese Kite Exhibition “Patang-O-Dori” at AMA

 SHIZUOKA & HAMAMATSU TO PARTICIPATE IN GOLDFEST Kites, Music and Matcha to take Centre Stage

 Ahmedabad, The Indo-Japan Friendship Association of Gujarat (IJFA) has enjoyed unique recognition and goodwill over five decades, pioneering the Vision and Mission of making Gujarat the “Mini-Japan of India.” The Indo-Japan Friendship Association, Gujarat, proudly launched its Golden Jubilee Celebrations, marking 50 momentous years since its inception in 1975.

To commemorate the Golden Jubilee (50 Years) of the Indo-Japan Friendship Association (IJFA) and the first anniversary of the Hamamatsu-Ahmedabad Sister City Relationship and the first anniversary of the Shizuoka Prefecture-Gujarat Sister State Partnership, a series of cultural celebration titled “GOLDFEST” will be held from January 10 to 14, 2026.

The celebration officially launched with the inauguration of “Patang-O-Dori,” a first-of-its-kind Japanese Kites Exhibition on Saturday, 10th January 2026, at 4:00 PM at Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) by the Chief Guest Ms. Megumi Shimada, Consul for Cultural Affairs, Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai. On this significant occasion, the Honorary Consul of Japan in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Mr. Mukesh Patel and Japanese dignitaries also joined the inauguration.

Exhibition Highlights of “Patang-O-Dori”

The exhibition showcases a unique cultural bridge between Hamamatsu, Japan’s kite-flying capital, and Ahmedabad, the heart of India’s kite traditions.

• It includes unique displays of exquisitely colorful kites and traditional lanterns gifted by the City of Hamamatsu.
• The exhibition traces the history and evolution of kite-flying in Hamamatsu, artfully intertwined with Ahmedabad’s iconic Uttarayan traditions.
• Featured stories include “The Sky Where Two Stories Begin,” depicting how both cities use kites to embody communal spirit, family bonds, and celebrations of life.

Ms. Megumi Shimada said that “Across continents and memories, Hamamatsu and Ahmedabad have built a bond beyond mere geographical proximity. These cities, though separated by geography, language, and culture, are linked by shared dreams and aspirations.”

Mr. Mukesh Patel said that “Built from traditional folk craft, kite shapes evoke the playfulness of generations. In Japan and India alike, kites represent more than just paper and string; they embody the spirit of the people, the bond between families, and the communal celebration of life.”

Exhibition Dates: Sunday, 11th January & Monday, 12th January 2026. –Exhibition Hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Event Highlights:

The theme of the celebration “Kem Chhe – Konnichiwa” offers unique cultural and culinary experiences from “The Land of the Rising Sun.” The celebration features three core cultural pillars:

Patang-O-Dori: A unique kite-flying event titled “Dancing in the Sky with Amdavadi Patang,” showcasing Japanese kites and local traditions.

Sangeet Symphony (Nihon-no-Ongaku): A series of music workshops, a symposium, and an Indo-Japanese music concert.

O-Cha Utsav: A culinary exploration of “Festive Flavours from the Green Hills of Shizuoka,” featuring Green Tea and Matcha workshops.

Overall Event Details of GOLDFEST 2026 –The Golden Jubilee Celebration includes following Key Events:

IJFA Gujarat and Yamaha Corporation, Hamamatsu City Launched “Discover the Joy of Music” Workshops for School Students &  Symposium on ‘Music for Innovation & Creativity’ Sunday, 11th January, 2026 (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

IJFA Gujarat in collaboration with Yamaha Corporation, Yamaha Music India Pvt. Ltd., is proud to announce a landmark educational initiative: “Discover the Joy of Music.” This series of immersive music workshops for school students will also take place on Sunday, 11^th January, 2026 (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM).

Mr. Sundip Shah, Honorary Secretary of IJFA Gujarat said, “Drawing inspiration from Hamamatsu, Japan—globally recognized as the “City of Music” and the ancestral home of Yamaha—this workshop aims to bridge cultural boundaries and foster a new generation of creative thinkers. By combining the precision of Japanese musical heritage with the vibrant diversity of modern instrumentation, the program is designed to inspire innovation and creativity in young minds.”

The workshops offer school students hands-on experience across a diverse spectrum of instruments, ranging from traditional percussion such as Flute or Recorder to contemporary favourites such as the Keyboards.

Mr. Yuji Otake (Group Manager, Music Popularisation, Yamaha Corporation, Japan) said, “Music is a universal language that drives cognitive development and creative problem-solving.” Ms. Risako Tokoro (Assistant Manager, Music Popularisation, Yamaha Corporation, Japan) said, “By bringing the spirit of Hamamatsu to our students, we are providing them with the tools to explore their potential and find their unique voice.”

Led by renowned music mentors Mr. Pinaki Dey and Mr. Dipanjan Chatterjee, the sessions offer a school-friendly, interactive environment where language is no bar. Students (Age Group: 10 to 15 years) leant about introduction to Music and Rhythm (Understanding the core foundations of sound); The Power of Music (Learning how music benefits student life and cognitive development); and gained Hands-on Experience (Practical engagement with authentic Yamaha instruments).

IJFA Gujarat and Yamaha Corporation, Hamamatsu City host  Symposium on ‘Music for Innovation & Creativity’

As part of the GOLDFEST celebrations, IJFA Gujarat and Yamaha Corporation, Hamamatsu City hosted a special symposium on “Music for Innovation & Creativity” at AMA.

The Honorary Consul of Japan in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Mr. Mukesh Patel said, “This symposium celebrates the power of music as a vital catalyst for creative thinking, cognitive enhancement, and cross-disciplinary expression. By bringing together a diverse group of musicians, educators, researchers, and technologists from both Japan and India, the event aims to explore how musical inspiration fuels imagination and innovation in our rapidly evolving world.”

Distinguished Speakers & Experts included the Chief Guest Ms. Megumi Shimada (Consul for Cultural Affairs, Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai); and Panel of Experts Smt. Sunaina Tomar (Distinguished Bureaucrat and Former ACS Education, Gujarat); Shri Sudhir Khandekar (Veteran Indian Musician, Violinist, and Music Composer); Shyamal-Saumil-Arti Munshi (Celebrated Musical Trio and Ambassadors of Gujarati Sugam Sangeet); Mr. Yuji Otake (Group Manager, Music Popularisation, Yamaha Corporation, Japan); Ms. Risako Tokoro (Assistant Manager, Music Popularisation, Yamaha Corporation, Japan).

IJFA Gujarat and Shizuoka Prefecture host O-Cha Utsav – Japanese Green Tea & Matcha Culinary Workshop
on Sunday, 11th January, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Hotel Hyatt Regency, Ashram Road

Registration: Participation is free, but prior registration is required.

As part of the Gold Fest celebrations (January 10–14, 2026), the Indo-Japan Friendship Association, Gujarat in collaboration with Shizuoka Prefecture; IJ Kakehashi Services Pvt Ltd and Hotel Hyatt Regency to host “O-Cha Utsav,” a unique Japanese Green Tea and Matcha Culinary Workshop on Saturday, 10th January & Sunday, 11th January, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Hotel Hyatt Regency, Ashram Road.

The Honorary Consul of Japan in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Mr. Mukesh Patel said, “This event commemorates the 50th anniversary of the vibrant bond between Gujarat and Japan, as well as the first anniversary of the Gujarat-Shizuoka Sister State Partnership.”

Ms. Megumi Shimada, Consul for Cultural Affairs, Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai said, “O-Cha Utsav serves as a celebration of flavors and friendship, bridging the culinary cultures of Shizuoka and Gujarat through the traditional art of tea. The initiative aims to raise awareness about incorporating green tea into daily diets to promote holistic health and living.”

Participants’ experienced hands-on demonstrations and tastings led by the expert culinary team from Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad. The workshop features authentic Sencha and Matcha, sourced directly from Shizuoka Prefecture and coordinated by IJ Kakehashi.

PATANG-O-DORI: Japanese Kite Flying Demonstration Theme: “Dancing in the Sky with Amdavadi Patang!”

Date: Wednesday, 14th January, 2026. Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.

Venue: Shreyas Foundation, Manekbaug Road, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad – 380 015

 To mark the first anniversary of the Hamamatsu-Ahmedabad Sister City Partnership and 50 years of vibrant bonding between Gujarat and Japan, the unique cultural event PATANG-O-DORI will be held on the morning of Uttarayan (Wednesday, 14th January, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon) at the Shreyas Foundation, celebrates 50 years of friendship between Gujarat and Japan.

A special delegation led by the Hon’ble Mayor of Hamamatsu, Mr. Yusuke Nakano from Hamamatsu—the “Kite Capital of Japan”—including 15 expert Kite flyers, will demonstrate their traditional Japanese kite-flying techniques. The demonstration features the launch of massive, colorful Japanese Tako kites accompanied by traditional bugles and dancers in Happy Coats, creating a spectacular “living tapestry” as they fly alongside the local Amdavadi Patangs.

Distinguished Guests include    Ambassador Sujan Chinoy (Former Ambassador of India to Japan; Director General, IDSA); Mr. Hiraki Sho (Vice Governor, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan); Mr. Yusuke Nakano (Mayor, Hamamatsu City, Japan); Ms. Pratibha Jain (Mayor of Ahmedabad); Mr. Koji Yagi (Consul General of Japan in Mumbai); Mr. Umang Thakkar: Chairman (Patang Hotel); Mr. Abhay Mangaldas (Founder, The House of MG & Agashiye)

The GOLDFEST 2026 is inspired by the Honorary Consulate of Japan in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and supported by the Indo-Japan Friendship Association, Ahmedabad Management Association, Japanese Association Ahmedabad; Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Corporation.

Key partners include Shizuoka Prefecture, Hamamatsu City, Yamaha Music India Pvt Ltd; Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad; IJ Kakehashi Services Pvt Ltd; Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI); Hamamatsu Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Shreyas Foundation; Patang Hotel, Agashiye / The House of MG; Status Inc.; City Heritage Foundation, Dehgam Taluka Education Society, JadeBlue, Khandekars, Panam Shroff Academy of Music.