62 Kite Flyers from 15 Countries Light Up India's Sky

Imagine looking up to see a mythical flying chariot, a massive octopus, and beloved cartoon characters floating together against the ocean sky. That's exactly what's happening this weekend at Tannirbhavi beach in Mangaluru, India.

The two-day International Kite Festival kicks off Saturday afternoon, bringing together 62 talented kite flyers from across the globe. Thirty participants are traveling from 15 countries including Germany, Thailand, Brazil, Canada, and Vietnam to showcase their airborne artwork.

Local group Team Mangalore is hosting the event as part of the ongoing Karavali Utsava celebration. Their homegrown creations pay tribute to Indian culture with kites shaped like Kathakali dancers, temple chariots, and characters from ancient mythology including Garuda and Pushpaka Vimana.

The festival runs from 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, with a special nighttime display Saturday evening between 7 and 9 p.m. Imagine these massive kites glowing against the dark sky, their colors reflected in the waves below.

Clare Louise Hardwick traveled from the UK for her second year at the festival. She's bringing a whole collection of kites and says her team is thrilled to perform after rain cut last year's event short. Professional stunt teams from Thailand, Indonesia, and Estonia will demonstrate precision flying techniques that turn kites into aerial dancers.

The festival welcomes both cutting-edge aerofoil designs and traditional handmade kites. Thirty-two Indian flyers from six states will share their regional styles alongside international participants, creating a sky full of cultural exchange.

The Ripple Effect

This festival does more than put on a beautiful show. It transforms a beach into a meeting place where artists from different continents share techniques passed down through generations. Children watching octopus kites swim through the air might become the next generation of kite makers, keeping this ancient art form alive.

The event brings tourism to the coastal region while celebrating craftsmanship that spans cultures. When a Ukrainian flyer launches a kite beside someone from Kerala, barriers disappear and creativity takes flight.

Organizers arranged parking at 10 locations and ferry service from Sulthan Bathery to handle the expected crowds. They're ready to welcome thousands of spectators who want to witness this colorful display of human creativity against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea.

Look up this weekend and you might see proof that beauty still brings the world together.