International kite festivals in Mangaluru lack government funding

Team Mangalore showcases Karnataka's living heritage at international kite festivals, lacking government support for Mangaluru International Kite Festival

If Team Mangalore, a group of kite makers and flyers, is showcasing the living heritage of Karnataka to the world at international kite festivals for over two decades, back home Mangaluru International Kite Festival being organised by it lacks financial support from the government.

The team members are all set to organise the eighth edition of Mangaluru International Kite Festival for two days at Tannirbavi beach from Saturday.

Founded in 1998, the team organised the first international kite festival in the city in 2005 with the help of sponsors. It continues to be so since then till the events scheduled at the beach from Saturday.

Sarvesh Rao, founder, Team Mangalore, and its active member artist Dinesh Holla, both international kite flyers, told The Hindu that neither the State government nor the Union government gave fund to any kite festivals in Mangaluru.

The team has been showcasing the charm of Mangaluru and India to the world through some of the unique kites such as Yakshagana, Bhootakola, Nagamandala, Garuda, Kathakkali, Bharatanatya in international festivals at France, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, the U.S., Qatar, Dubai, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Hong Kong at the like for long.

“Today two of our members flew to Qatar. They will be there for two weeks flying our kites,” Mr. Rao said, adding: “Organisers of many events abroad insist and demand that we flew our kites which have become familiar with India.”

Mr. Rao said that if the Tourism Department reserves at least ₹50 lakh a year and makes Mangaluru International Kite Festival an annual event, kite flyers from at least 10 countries can be invited. Higher the amount flyers from more countries can be invited.