Mangaluru's Blue Bay Beach to Host International Kite Festival This Weekend
The ninth edition of the ONGC-MRPL International Kite Festival will take place at Blue Bay Beach in Tannirbhavi on January 17 and 18. The event will run from 3 pm onwards each day as part of the ongoing Karavali Utsava celebrations. A special night flying session is scheduled for Saturday evening from 7 pm to 8 pm.
International Participation and Cultural Showcase
Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV announced that the festival will feature 62 kite flyers of international fame. Team Mangalore, a dedicated group of kite enthusiasts, is organizing the event in association with the district administration. Thirty-two participants hail from across India, while thirty come from fifteen different countries.
Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader will inaugurate the festival. ZP CEO Narwade Vinayak Karbhari emphasized that the event promises a spectacular blend of tradition, creativity, and international camaraderie. He stated that the festival truly reflects the spirit of Tulunadu.
Global and Indian Representation
International kite flyers will travel from the United Kingdom, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Sweden, Thailand, Korea, Ukraine, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, Vietnam, Singapore, France, and Indonesia. Indian participants will represent states including Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala.
The event will showcase an array of kite designs. Traditional kites, aerofoil kites, and inflatable kites will all take to the sky. A special focus will be on quad-line sports kites. Collaborative and dynamic performances by stunt kite flyers from Thailand, Indonesia, and Estonia are also planned.
Iconic Kite Creations and Cultural Heritage
Prashanth Upadyaya of Team Mangalore revealed that the team will present their iconic creations. These include kites shaped like Kathakali, Yaksha, Garuda, Pushpaka Vimana, and Vibhishana. Their latest creation, named Ratha, celebrates the region's rich cultural heritage.
Upadyaya explained that the Ratha kite stands 30 feet high. It is crafted in an appliqué style using ripstop nylon fabric. This impressive design is sure to capture the attention of festival attendees.
Logistics and Safety Arrangements
Pranesh Kudroli of Team Mangalore detailed the parking arrangements for the event. Organizers have arranged parking for 1,900 cars across ten spots within a 2-kilometer distance from the venue. Four designated spaces are available for two-wheelers.
Vehicles will ferry people from the parking lots to the beach festival venue. The venue is accessible via the Sulthan Bathery ferry service. A bus facility will operate between KIOCL Circle and Blue Bay Beach for visitor convenience.
Safety measures include a dedicated lost and found shelter. Designated swimming areas with lifeguards will be available. Emergency medical aid services are also arranged. Organizers will deploy 130 volunteers at various locations throughout the festival.
Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV made a clear announcement regarding safety. The use of manja thread is strictly prohibited. This ban ensures safety for all participants and maintains the festival's international reputation.
