62 flyers from India and abroad to participate in kite festival at Tannirbhavi Beach

Mangaluru: The ninth edition of the ONGC-MRPL International Kite Festival will be held at Blue Bay Beach in Tannirbhavi on Jan 17 and 18 from 3pm onwards, as part of the ongoing Karavali Utsava. A special night flying session will be held on Saturday from 7pm to 8pm.Addressing a press conference, deputy commissioner Darshan HV said that the festival, organised by Team Mangalore, a dedicated group of kite enthusiasts, in association with the district administration, will see participation from 62 kite flyers of international fame —32 from across India and 30 from 15 countries. The event will be inaugurated by legislative assembly speaker UT Khader, he said.ZP CEO Narwade Vinayak Karbhari said the festival promises a spectacular blend of tradition, creativity, and international camaraderie, truly reflecting the spirit of Tulunadu. International kite flyers from the UK, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Sweden, Thailand, Korea, Ukraine, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, Vietnam, Singapore, France, and Indonesia, and 32 Indian flyers will represent 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 collaborative and dynamic performances by stunt kite flyers from Thailand, Indonesia, and Estonia, he said.Prashanth Upadyaya of Team Mangalore said the team will present their iconic creations, such as Kathakali, Yaksha, Garuda, Pushpaka Vimana, and Vibhishana, along with the latest creation, Ratha, celebrating the region's rich cultural heritage. Explaining the Ratha kite, he said it is 30 feet high and is crafted in an appliqué style using ripstop nylon fabric.Pranesh Kudroli of Team Mangalore said a parking facility was arranged for 1,900 cars in 10 spots within 2km distance from the venue, and four designated spaces for two-wheelers were arranged. Vehicles were arranged to ferry people from the parking lot to the venue of the beach festival, he said, adding that the venue is accessed via the Sulthan Bathery ferry service.As part of safety measures, a dedicated lost and found shelter, designated swimming areas with lifeguards, and emergency medical aid services will be available. A bus facility will operate between KIOCL Circle and Blue Bay Beach for visitors. As many as 130 volunteers will be deployed at various locations.The DC said the use of manja thread is strictly prohibited to ensure safety and maintain the festival's international reputation.