Kerala kite festival lures international kite-flyers

KOZHIKODE - Kerala first ever kite festival is luring international kite-flyers to Kozhikode.

The three-day event was organised by the District Tourism Promotion Council of Kozhikode and the Kappad Destination Management Council.

It started from Saturday and will continue till today.

“We have got Indonesians, UK, South Korea, Malaysia, Kuwait, Thailand, Dubai, Saudi Arabia kite-flyers …these are the people who are around,” said Shaukat Ali, the Overseas Coordinator of the India International Kite Festival.

Along with participants from outside India, the festival has attracted many locals as well, he added.

A participant from UK, Dary Koon said the festival has provided a break for everyone from their busy lives.

“I think it is very important…it’s not always obvious, but kite-flying is something you do outside of your working life. This is the extra that you work on for. So, you concentrate on the week, or maybe the weekend for work, and earn the money to live but then at the weekend you can indulge in your hobby. With me, it is actually a passion and not a hobby,” said Koon.

The event also included kite-making workshops, a food festival, and cultural events on all the three days.

Seeing the enormous response, the organisers and the tourism department have decided to make the event an annual event in Kerala. (ANI)