International Kite Festival will commence on Jan 16

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jan 13: Team Mangalore, a group of avid kite makers and flyers, will organize the International Kite Festival on Jan 16 – 17 at Panambur Beach, Mangalore. The kite-flying competition will commence at 3 p.m. on Jan 16 and Jan 17. 

Giridhar Kamath, the convener of Team Mangalore, addressed media persons at a press conference organized at Press Club on Jan 13, Wednesday. He informed that the programme will be devoid of all formalities, entry fees, and speeches. In other words, the event comprises kites and kite flying alone. 

He said that the festival flag kite will be raised at 5 p.m. on Jan 16 in the presence of prominent personalities such as V Ponnuraj, the district commissioner of Dakshina Kannada; Shri Tamilavanan, the chairman of NMPT; and Dr. A. S. Rao, the superintendent of police, Mangalore. Following this, the patrons, dignitaries, and sponsors of the event will raise special kites. On the first day of the event, the kite flying will end at 7 p.m., said Girish Kamath. 

The 2-day, post-noon event will conclude with an informal valedictory function at 7 p.m. on Jan 17. The stage programme will be brief and will be held with the purpose of felicitating the kite flyers. 

Eleven kite flyers from 5 countries and 4 kite flyers from Maharashtra will participate in this event. The members of Team Mangalore will also fly special kites based on themes such as Kathakkali, Yaksha, Gajaraja, with Bhoota Kola being the latest addition. 

Team Mangalore is making elaborate preparations in association with the DK district police, Panambur Police Station, NMPT, and the district administration in order to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and to provide good parking facilities. A separate shelter will be set up for lost children who are found on the beach. Besides, life guard services will also be available in the swimming areas. K. S. Hegde Medical Academy, Deralakatte will provide emergency medical aid and ambulance services at the venue. STS Event Management Team of Mangalore will manage this event.

A wide range of kites, except manja kites, will be available for sale in the shops. Mr. Kamath said that manja kites are prohibited because the manja threads have a coating of glass powder mixed with glue. The thread can cut through the skin and cause injury. Besides, the threads can even cut the kites of other participants. 

AWITA (All Ways in the Air), a hobby group with a passion for kites, and Nicholas Chorier, an internationally acclaimed aerial photographer who is currently touring in India, are expected to participate in the event. 

ONGC, MRPL are the chief sponsors of the event. The other sponsors are State Bank of India, Ideal Ice Cream, Karnataka Bank, and Hotel Goldfinch. 

Sarvesh Rao, Dinesh Holla, Prashanth Upadyaya, and Nithin J Shetty were also present during the press conference.