Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 16: The 8th ONGC-MRPL International Kite Festival will be held on January 18 and 19 at the picturesque Thannirbhavi Beach, Mangaluru. Organized by Team Mangalore, a dedicated group of kite enthusiasts, the event is an integral part of the Karavali Utsava, celebrating the vibrant cultural spectrum of Dakshina Kannada District. This festival promises to be a spectacular fusion of tradition, creativity, and international camaraderie, embodying the spirit of Tulunadu.
A global spectacle
This year’s festival features 22 international kite flyers from 10 countries, including the UK, Greece, Germany, The Netherlands, Slovenia, Estonia, Italy, Sweden, Portugal, and Indonesia, alongside 30 Indian flyers from Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala. The event will spotlight an array of kites, from traditional and aerofoil to inflatable designs, with a special focus on quad-line sports kites, featuring dynamic performances by stunt kite flyers from Greece.
Team Mangalore will proudly present their iconic creations, such as Kathakali, Yaksha Garuda, Pushpaka Vimana, and Vibhishana, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Mascot and theme: ‘Uriye’
The festival’s mascot, Uriye (meaning "The Fiery"), symbolizes courage, vibrancy, and cultural pride. Designed by Proto Concepts, Uriye’s bright plumage and aspirational demeanor reflect the joy of flight and Tulunadu’s deep-rooted traditions.
Festival highlights
- Inauguration: The festival will be inaugurated on January 18 at 5:00 PM with the ceremonial kite launch by district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundurao in the presence of Mundkur Shyamprasad Kamath, MD, MRPL, and other dignitaries, including BHV Prasad, executive director (P), MRPL, B Sudharshan, executive director (Refinery), MRPL, Shri Ganesh Bhat, CVO, MRPL, and Shri Yogish Nayak, CFO, MRPL.
- Valedictory: On January 19 at 7:00 PM, the festival concludes with an informal valedictory function presided over by Mullai Muhilan MP, IAS, district commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, with the guest of honour Nandakumar Velayudhan Pillai, director (Refinery), MRPL.
Part of Karavali Utsava
The festival is proudly part of the Karavali Utsava, showcasing the diverse cultural spectrum of Dakshina Kannada District. This inclusion underscores the region’s commitment to promoting its unique heritage and fostering tourism. The district commissioner of Dakshina Kannada has emphasized the importance of such events in positioning the district as a prime tourism destination and encouraging organizations to contribute to a vibrant annual event calendar.
Visitor-friendly arrangements
- Traffic and Parking: Ample parking for 1,000 cars and 6,000 two-wheelers, with ferry access from Sulthan Battery.
- Safety: Dedicated lost and found shelter, swimming areas with lifeguards, and emergency medical aid services.
- Food and Shopping: A food festival extending until midnight and kite shops offering a variety of designs.
- Manja Ban: The use of manja kites is strictly prohibited to ensure safety and maintain the festival’s international reputation.
Gratitude to sponsors and partners
The festival is proudly title-sponsored by MRPL and ONGC, reflecting their commitment to community development. The event is actively promoted by Karnataka Tourism through the Dakshina Kannada District Administration, which has taken significant steps to position the district as a premier tourism destination.
The festival’s success is further supported by Ideal Ice Cream, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Northern Sky, Group Delta, Rohan Corporation, and Kalbhavi Cashews.
Alva’s Education Foundation serves as the institutional partner, conducting post-festival kite workshops. Hotel Ocean Pearl, as the hospitality partner, ensures warm accommodations for participants. Madhuban Graphics is the print partner, while Proto Concepts has developed the festival’s concepts and designs.
Team Mangalore’s legacy
Since its inception in 1995, Team Mangalore has promoted kite flying as an art form, blending tradition with innovation. With its motto, “One Sky, One Earth, One Family,” the team has elevated the festival to a global platform, celebrating unity and cultural pride.