Mangaluru: The much-awaited International Kite Festival, organized by Team Mangaluru with support from the district administration, will take place on January 18 and 19 at Tannirbavi Beach. Several international teams have already arrived, and final preparations are underway, Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan said at a press briefing.

The festival will be inaugurated on January 18 at 4 PM by District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. This marks the 8th edition of the International Kite Festival in Mangaluru. Teams from countries such as England, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Italy, Sweden, Indonesia, and Portugal, along with state-level teams from Odisha, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Telangana, Kerala, and Gujarat, will participate in the event.

Prashanth Upadhyaya of Team Mangaluru stated that the festival, themed “One Sky, One Earth, One Family,” aims to foster cultural unity. The festival will feature exciting attractions like stunt kites, aero-foil kites (giant balloon-like kites), series kites (hundreds of kites on a single string), and bird-like kites. The event will entertain visitors from 3 PM to 9 PM on both days.

Ashok Shah, a representative of the Maharashtra kite team, expressed his delight, stating, “I have participated in various kite festivals across the globe. It is always a pleasure to come to Mangaluru as the conditions here are ideal for kite flying.”

Representatives from Team Mangaluru, including Sarvesh Rao, Pran Hegde, Giridhar, Yatish Baikampadi, and Nitesh, along with Costa and Theo from Greece, were present at the event.