International Kite Festival takes off to a Spectacular start at Panambur Beach
Mangaluru: A three-day International Kite and food festival was inaugurated at the Panambur beach here on January 17.
The festival was inaugurated by the MLA of Mangaluru North Constituency Dr Bharat Shetty by flying the kite at the Panambur beach.
The event has drawn participants from various countries like the United States, Netherlands, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Israel and Sweden. Participants from Rajkot, Hyderabad and Mangaluru also participated in the kite festival.
International Kite Fest has brought out the outdoor spirit of Mangaluru in full swing. Kites, both big and small and of various colours, designs and patterns, were seen transforming the view of Mangaluru’s sky into a kaleidoscope of magnificence – offering families a visual treat like no other on the first day of the festival.
Speaking to mangalorean.com MLA Dr Bharat Shetty said, “Today we have inaugurated the International Kite festival at Panambur Beach. Professional kite flyers from 8 countries including India are here to take part in the kite festival. A total of 21 kite flyers will fly a variety of kites in the Panambur beach for three days. All the kite fliers are professionals and are able to fly these heavy kites. The locals also have the opportunity to fly their kites in the beach. During the Karavali Utsav in Mangaluru, we hold the Kite festival. The international kite festival has become popular now. We have also inaugurated the food festival today and the Hotel association has also opened the food court here. There is a good response.”
Dr Bharat further said, “We will discuss with the tourism minister to develop tourism in Dakshina Kannada. In Karnataka, tourism has not been developed to its full potential. We have just started to promote tourism, there are a number of temples, health tourism and a number of places tourists can visit since there is good connectivity. The department is looking for land for the development of tourism, the matter has been discussed with the tourism minister and waiting for his approval. The river festival will also be held.
When asked about the cycling track, Dr Bharat said, “We are planning to develop the infrastructure when we construct the roads, the present roads now are very congested. In my constituency, we have reserved Rs 1 crore for the development of the roads as well as a cycling track at Bangra Kulur. We have identified some places for a cycling track. The earlier plan was stopped because of insufficient funds. Cyclists can submit any proposals, suggestions or ideas and we will work on it.”
Speaking to mangalorean.com Kite flyer from Netherlands Hendrik Jan Grutterink said, “We travelled from the Netherlands to Gujarat and from there we have come to Mangaluru for the kite festival. We will go back to the Netherlands on January 21 as we have the kite festival in our country. Mangaluru is very clean compared to Gujarat. I love food and hospitality in Mangaluru. When I was 16-year-old I started to fly kites and now I am 69. This time we have brought 15 kites. In the Netherlands, we will fly the white Horse during the kite festival. I have specially made the Indian Elephant kite to fly in the Indian sky.”
Hendrik further said, “Mangaluru is fantastic, I came along with my wife and we love the hospitality in Mangaluru. The food in Mangaluru is superb, we love spicy food. When you are in your country you can eat your own food but when you go to other countries you should eat their food, I love Indian food.”
Speaking to mangalorean.com Dinesh Holla of Team Mangalore Kite flyers said, “Today we have inaugurated the 6th kite festival. International kite flyers from 7 countries and 9 teams from various states are here to fly various kites. This time most of the kites are air-filled kites. Ten years ago there was no craze for flying kites, but after we started to fly kites and participated in kite flying in other countries people began to show interest. Kite flying started in China, Japan and Korea. At that time, they were using the kites for sending letters, or as a war symbol. Through the kite festival, we can promote our culture and tradition. When we go to other countries we promote our Yakshagana, Bharatanatyam and cockfight. Team Mangaluru has 60 kites. Since the place to fly kites is limited, preference is given to the international kite flyers, whenever we have the opportunity we will also fly the kites”.