A massive roadshow, a visit to Sabarmati Ashram and the historic Sidi Sayyed Mosque were among the highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe's first day of the Gujarat visit on Wednesday. Breaking protocol, Prime Minister Modi personally welcomed Abe and Japan's First Lady Akie Abe at the Ahmedabad airport upon their arrival, reflecting the close bonding the two leaders have forged over several meetings. Modi held Abe in his characteristic bear hug. Signifying the growing ties between the two Asiatic economies, Abe changed into a kurta-pajama coupled with a blue jacket, similar to what Modi is often seen wearing, while his wife wore a pink Punjabi dress for the open vehicle, 8-km roadshow till the Sabarmati Ashram. The streets came alive with song and dance performances and thousands lined up along the route of the roadshow, the first such event by the Indian premier with a visiting head of government. Performers from 28 states showcased their traditional dances. Crowds cheered lustily as Modi and Abe waved at them. Akie, meanwhile, happily clicked photos with her mobile phone. People were seen waving Indian and Japanese national flags at several places. The Japanese PM visited Mahatma Gandhi's residence Hriday Kunj, and also offered floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the ashram. "Love and Thanks", Abe wrote in a short message in Japanese on the visitors' register which was also signed by his wife. The three later sat for some time by the serene Sabarmati Riverfront, developed by Modi when he was the CM of Gujarat. While there was heavy rainfall in some parts of the city just before the roadshow started, the route that the PMs were taking remained cloudy and pleasant. The dignitaries then headed to Sidi Sayyed Mosque, famous for its intricate artwork. Modi explained the mosque's heritage to his Japanese counterpart, before they headed for dinner at a heritage hotel, Agashiye, just across the road. The highlight of Abe’s two-day Gujarat visit will be the ground-breaking ceremony of Ahmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train project on Thursday. Abe and Modi will attend various other events, including the India-Japan Annual Summit, and witness signing of several agreements, among others, on Thursday. The two leaders will also talk to take forward bilateral ties in trade and other strategic areas of cooperation between the two countries. Indian wardrobe for Abe couple After the Guard of Honour ceremony at Ahmedabad airport, the Japanese PM slipped into a white kurta pajama and a blue coloured Nehru jacket. Japan’s First Lady Akie Abe opted for a pink salwar kameez. Undhiyu, theplas The delegation was treated to a Gujarati fare at a heritage hotel. The thali included undhiyu, palak jamun, rasawala bateta, bharela parvar, bhinda kadhi, Gujarati dal and khichdi. AGENDA FOR TODAY

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