Now kite festival to promote Kerala tourism

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - Known for its backwaters, coconut palms and lush greenery, Kerala is now set to woo more tourists by hosting a three-day international kite festival starting May 1 at Kappad beach in Kozhikode district.

“Top kite-flyers from 10 countries, including India, will display their talents in flying kites at the Kappad beach for three days,” state Tourism Secretary V. Venu told reporters here Monday.

Venu said Gujarat was the only state in the country to host such a kite festival so far.

Those participating in the fest would include people from Kuwait, Malaysia, Singapore, China, the UAE, France and Britain apart from India.

“There would be two participants from each country besides 10 teams from various parts of the country which would have five members each and the total number of participants would be 70,” said Abdullah Malieakal, who heads Annals Sports and Leisure Management, an event management company.

Kappad beach finds mention in history books as Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama landed here in 1498.

“This beach has a history and we wish to promote that. We decided to organise this unique kite festival because the winds here on the sea shore are extremely favourable for flying kites,” said legislator P.Viswan.

Besides kite flying, there would be a seafood festival and a cultural fest in the night that will showcase the local art and culture, he said.

There would also be a classroom session for all those interested in learning how to make and fly kites, he added.

“A kite that would be flown there would cost anything from Rs.25,000 upwards. The materials for making kites would be supplied free of cost. Kites that are going to be flown would be of various sizes and shapes and they would be as big as a two-storey building,” said Malieakel.