Team Mangalore emerges star of 11th Thailand International Kite Festival

Mangalore Today News Network

March 30: Team Mangalore, a group of avid kite fliers of Mangalore, were the only Indian team at the 11th Thailand International Kite Festival in which 30 countries participated.

 

The director of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) inaugurated the event, after which 20 adventurers on parachutes jumped down into the venue. Kites were flown for 3 consecutive days much to the delight of local spectators who arrived at the venue in large numbers. The atmosphere was colorful, cheerful, and festive. People spent entire days at the venue thanks to the food and beverage stalls that abounded. 

Team Mangalore, comprising Nitin J Shetty, Prashanth K, Sarvesh Rao, and Vasanth Sanil, displayed and flew kites based on the themes of Yakshagana, Kathakali, Charlie Chaplin, Gajaraja, Owl, Bharathanatyam, and others. The kites illustrated the culture and diversity of India beautifully. They also conducted kite workshops for children and taught them to make Indian fighter kites. 

The valedictory programme was held during a cruise on the river; and the valedictory address was given by the governor of TAT. Team Mangalore honored the governor of TAT as well as Ron Spaulding and Baew Spaulding, the organizers of the show, in a traditional manner. The organizers titled Team Mangalore “Star of the Show.” 

Team Mangalore has participated in international kite festivals at France, Canada, and England. The team has also won Best International Kite award for its fabulous collection of kites. Its Kathkali kite has been entered into the Limca Book of Records as the largest kite of India.