The river front along Sabarmati has been spruced up for the occasion.
With a spruced up river front along the Sabarmati, hoardings reinforcing a new relationship between Gujarat and China and special Gujarati cuisine, Ahmedabad is all set to host Chinese President Xi Jinping when he begins his three-day visit to India from Gujarat today. (
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The state government, led by Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, is going to roll out the red carpet for President Jinping and the Chinese delegation traveling with him.
President Jinping arrives at the Ahmedabad airport at about 2.30 pm today. (
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Representatives of the Gujarat government and the Chinese delegation will then go on to sign at least three Memorandums of Understanding, in the presence of PM Modi and President Jinping.
The two will then head to the Sabarmati ashram, where Mr Jinping is expected to be given a tour of the iconic ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi, and visit the site from where the Mahatma started his famous salt satyagraha against the British government. (
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The Chinese President, accompanied by PM Modi, will then make his way to the Sabarmati river front, which has decked up immaculately for the occasion with a special dome-cum-tents. (
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Inside the tent, which will have
torans (embroidered decor) from Kutch as well as handcrafted wooden furniture from Sankheda, President Jinping will be treated to a sumptuous Gujarati cuisine.
Dignitaries from both the Indian and the Chinese delegations will be served local delicacies like
khaman dhokla so that they get a chance to experience "Gujarati hospitality,'' according to state government's spokesperson Nitin Patel.
Mr Jinping will also be treated to performances by folk dancers from different parts of the state, as he and PM Modi take a walk along the riverfront.