Thu Jan 16 14:46:43 UTC 2025: ## Mangaluru to Host International Kite Festival

**Mangaluru, Karnataka, January 16, 2025** – Mangaluru is set to host the ONGC-MRPL Mangaluru International Kite Festival from January 18th to 19th, at Tannirbavi beach. The two-day event will feature 52 kite flyers from 10 countries, including the UK, Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Estonia, Italy, Sweden, Portugal and Indonesia, as well as various states across India.

The festival promises a spectacular display of kites, ranging from traditional and aerofoil designs to inflatable kites and quad-line sports kites. Highlights include stunt kite performances by Greek flyers, and a unique display of 100 Kathakkali kites flown in succession by an international participant from Maharashtra. Team Mangalore, the organizers, will showcase their own iconic creations such as Kathakkali, Yaksha, Garuda, Pushpaka Vimana and Vibhishana kites.

Deputy Commissioner M.P. Mullai Muhilan emphasized the festival’s commitment to safety and convenience, highlighting provisions for 1,000 cars and 6,000 two-wheelers parking, a lost and found area, lifeguards at swimming areas, emergency medical services, and food stalls operating until midnight. Notably, the festival will not utilize manja (glass-coated kite string).

Mr. Muhilan announced that the festival, featuring the fiery rooster mascot ‘Uriye’, will become an annual event as part of the Karavali Utsav. Kite flying will commence daily at 3 p.m., with the official inauguration scheduled for 5 p.m. Participants praised Mangaluru’s ideal wind conditions for kite flying, describing the event as exceptionally well-organized.

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