Pics: Spoorthi Ullal/ Dayananda Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 17: Tannirbhavi’s Blue Bay Beach was a kaleidoscope of colour on Saturday as the first day of the International Kite Festival, part of the Karavali Utsava, unfolded a spectacular display of artistic flair and international camaraderie.

Against the backdrop of azure sea waves, the sky came alive with kites of every imaginable shape and size—from tiny stars to giant creations resembling fish, cats, elephants, butterflies, crocodiles, flowers, Mickey Mouse, and even aliens. International kite flyers showcased their skills along the shoreline, manoeuvring enormous kites with precision, cheered on by thousands of spectators and kite enthusiasts.

Organised by Team Mangaluru, the two-day festival features 30 international kite flyers from 15 countries alongside 62 expert local kite fliers. Spectators were treated to an eclectic mix of traditional, aerofoil, inflatable, and quad-line sport kites, alongside local traditional designs, captivating audiences with vibrant colours and intricate artistry.

U T Khader, speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, inaugurated the festival by flying a kite and said, “The chief minister, Siddaramaiah, has provided Rs 2 crore for the Karavali Utsava, and the programmes are running successfully.

Visitors from across India and abroad have arrived, and events like this inspire us to plan similar festivals in the future.”

Italian kite flyer Andrea, participating with his wife Sabina, said, “This is my first kite festival in Mangaluru. We arrived from Hyderabad this morning and have received a very warm response from locals. People are friendly, taking selfies and talking to us. I feel safe here.” The couple brought 24 giant kites, including jellyfish, alien, fish skeleton, and flower designs, ranging from 5 to 25 metres in length.

For Jan Soom from Estonia, this marked his second visit to Mangaluru. Flying around 14 kites with his team, he said, “Back home, it is minus 20 degrees with snow everywhere. Here, the beach climate is perfect for kite flying, and I also enjoy the local fish cuisine.”

The festival continues over the weekend, promising more dazzling aerial displays, international participation, and a celebration of art and culture above Mangaluru.