Team Mangalore conquers the Korean skies

Mangalore, April 21: Team Mangalore, a city-based hobby group of kite flyers, on invitation from organisers of Uiseong Garlic International Kite Festival, Korea, participated in the International Kite Festival held from April 11 to 16 at Uiseong, South Korea as representatives from India.

The Team participated in the unique kite festival organised for the second time in Korea. This festival was organised by the local government of Uiseong County and Korean Kite Flyers Association.

In the kite flying event held from April 13 to 15 the Team Mangalore showcased some of the best kites to the Koreans. The event had participation from over 25 countries and about 160 kite flyers of international fame around the world and they showcased their collection of kites. A team of four members viz., Giridhar Kamath, Subhash Pai, Vasanth Kumar Sanil and Janardhan Rao participated in this mega event.

Team Mangalore kites such as Kathakali, Yakshagana, Durga, Gajaraja, Owl and Pushpaka Vimana got appreciation from the people of Korea. The members conducted workshops for the children and trained them to make Indian Fighter Kites and also entertained specially challenged children. Team also gifted unique Indian kites to the children.

The Team also performed 'Candy Drop' from sky from a doll attached to kites. Many children and parents participated in this event. This show attracted huge weekend camping crowd on both the days of the festival and the team got appreciation from the organisers.

Giridhar Kamath entertained the gathering with a Yakshagana performance. The people of Korea were fascinated by the costume and clicked photographs with him.

Earlier, Team Mangalore had participated in various international kite festivals held at Canada, UK, France, Thailand, Korea, Sri Lanka, Dubai and recently it had participated in the International Kite Festival held at Qatar.

Team has also performed in Belgaum International Kite Festival held on January 15 and 16 January, organised in aid of soldiers. In January this year the team had also successfully organised ONGC-MRPL International Kite Festival at Panambur beach.

In all, the team has once again showcased cultural heritage of India to the Koreans. Presently, a four member team is in Italy and is participating in the Artevento International Kite Festival being held at Cervia, Italy.