International kite festivals in Mangaluru lack government funding

International kite flyer Dinesh Holla of Mangaluru.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

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.

“The kite festival should be made an annual event with government funding to showcase Mangaluru and Karnataka in the tourism map of the world permanently,” Mr. Rao and Mr. Holla said.

Mr. Rao said that in-charge Ministers of all governments in the State did assure of granting funds without making it a reality.

Referring to the admiration for Indian art, culture and living heritage abroad, Mr. Holla said that his art works on Yakshagana, Bhoota Kola, Kite and Tulunadu culture have been displayed at the Mayor’s Bhavan in France. In addition, his 100-ft long tribal line art has been displayed in the office of DP Capital of Kites.

Mr. Holla and Mr. Rao said that back home State governments in Gujarat, Telangana, and Delhi have made international kite festivals an annual event with government funding and promotion. Karnataka too should tap this potential for tourism growth.