Mangaluru: International Kite Festival to light up Tannirbhavi beach on January 17–18

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, January 16, 2026: As part of the Karavali Utsava celebrations, the 9th edition of the International Kite Festival will be held at Tannirbhavi Blue Bay Beach on January 17 and 18. The festival, which will begin at 3 pm, will feature the participation of 30 international kite flyers from 15 countries, who have already arrived in Mangaluru.

Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. said that a total of 62 skilled kite flyers from India and abroad will fly a wide variety of kites in the sky during the festival.

Welcoming the international kite flyers at a programme held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office hall on Friday, he said the festival will showcase traditional, aerofoil, inflatable and quad-line sport kites.

He also informed that the organising Team Mangaluru will introduce a new kite called “Ratha”, specially designed to reflect the rich cultural heritage of Tulunadu, along with other cultural kites.

Zilla Panchayat CEO Vinayak Narwade said parking arrangements have been made for 1,900 cars at 10 locations and for two-wheelers at four locations within a 2-km radius of the beach. Visitors can also reach Tannirbhavi Beach by availing ferry services across the Phalguni river from Sultan Battery. In addition, bus pick-up and drop facilities will be available from KIOCL Circle to Blue Bay Beach.

Team Mangaluru, established in 1995, has been promoting kite flying as an art form. With sponsorship from MRPL, ONGC and other private organisations, and support from the district administration, the kite festival is expected to provide entertainment to the public, said Team Mangaluru members Pran, Prashanth, Dinesh Holla and others.