Wed Jan 15 17:40:33 UTC 2025: ## Mangaluru’s International Kite Festival Soars Globally, But Lacks Local Funding

**Mangaluru, Karnataka, January 15, 2025** – Team Mangaluru, a group of kite makers and flyers, is bringing Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage to the world stage, showcasing their unique kites at international festivals across continents. However, despite their global success, the team’s annual Mangaluru International Kite Festival struggles to secure funding from the state or central government.

For over two decades, Team Mangaluru has captivated audiences in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, the U.S., Qatar, Dubai, Sri Lanka, South Korea, and Hong Kong with their intricate kites depicting traditional art forms like Yakshagana, Bhootakola, and Kathakali. This year’s festival, the eighth edition, is set to take place this Saturday and Sunday at Tannirbavi beach.

Despite their international acclaim, the organizers, Sarvesh Rao and Dinesh Holla, both internationally recognized kite flyers, report a complete lack of government support for the Mangaluru festival. They highlight the irony of their work receiving international recognition while facing financial hardship at home.

While other states like Gujarat, Telangana, and Delhi provide government funding for their kite festivals, Karnataka has yet to embrace this opportunity for tourism promotion. Rao and Holla propose that a yearly allocation of ₹50 lakh from the Tourism Department would enable them to invite kite flyers from at least 10 countries, significantly boosting the festival’s international presence.

Holla emphasized the potential for tourism growth, noting the significant global appreciation for Indian art and culture. His own work has been displayed internationally, further highlighting the potential for Karnataka to capitalize on this cultural asset. The organizers urge the Karnataka government to recognize the festival’s significance and provide the necessary funding to secure its future and promote Mangaluru as a global tourism destination.

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