Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Jan 16: As part of the Coastal Festival, the ninth edition of the International Kite Festival will be held on January 17 and 18 at Tannirbhavi Blue Bay Beach. The festival will commence at 3 pm on both days. As many as 30 international kite flyers from 15 countries have already arrived in Mangaluru to participate in the event.

Addressing the media at the deputy commissioner’s office auditorium on Friday, deputy commissioner Darshan H V said a total of 62 skilled kite flyers from India and abroad will showcase a wide variety of kites during the festival. The event will feature displays of traditional kites, aerofoil kites, inflatable kites and quad-line sport kites.

Welcoming the international participants, the deputy commissioner said Team Mangaluru, the organisers of the festival, will introduce a new kite named ‘Ratha’, specially designed to reflect the cultural richness of Tulunadu, along with other culture-themed kites.

Zilla Panchayat CEO Vinayak Narvade said parking facilities have been arranged at 10 locations for about 1,900 cars and at four locations for two-wheelers within a 2-km radius of the beach. Visitors can also reach Tannirbhavi Beach by availing ferry services from Sultan Battery across the Phalguni river. In addition, bus pickup and drop facilities will be provided from KIOCL Circle to Blue Bay Beach.

Team Mangaluru, established in 1995, has been promoting kite flying as an art form. With sponsorship from MRPL, ONGC and other private organisations, and with the support of the district administration, the kite festival is expected to offer an exciting visual treat for the public.