Belgaum kite festival to boost ties with Goa
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
BELGAUM, JAN 8
While colorful kites adorn the Belgaum skies, a new chapter in the history of the relationship between Belgaum and Goa would be scripted during the first Belgaum International Kite Festival, which is being held here on January 16 and 17.
Adept arrangements are made on war footing to host the festival, while Belgaum (South) MLA Abhay Patil who has organized this festival along with kite expert K V Rao, is leaving no stone unturned for the success of this festival.
A large numbers of foreign tourists from Goa have confirmed their visit to the festival.
Many kite enthusiasts from Goa and other parts of India are expected to take part in this festival which could be termed as the first venture of its kind officially connecting Belgaum and Goa.
Speaking to reporters after launching the official website of the festival www.belgaumkitefest.com on Friday, MLA Abhay Patil said the festival is aimed at promoting the relationship between Belgaum and Goa.
“This festival is aimed at promoting and strengthening the age-old bilateral relationship between Belgaum and Goa,” Patil said adding that Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has extended full co-operation in the venture.
“All the free arrangements, including five Volvo buses, have been made for the foreign tourists. We have also made free transport arrangements for Goans, who would like to witness the two-day extravaganza which is poised to strengthen the relationship between Belgaum and Goa,” MLA Patil ascertained.
“About 30 international kite-flying experts have confirmed their participation. Some kite flyers from France and UK shall display their dexterity by flying a number of kites simultaneously with both the hands,” said Patil adding that about one lakh people from Belgaum, Goa and north Karnataka and other parts of India are expected to witness the festival.
Already, various teams across the country as also those of foreigners will be participating in the two-day festival.
Interestingly, flyers will fly the kites at night as well near Kote Kere (Fort Lake) at Belgaum Fort, which is a first of its kind experiment in the entire country. Flying kites attached with lamps/lights during the night on January 16 will be the star attraction of the unique festival.
A number of stalls displaying the local products such as handloom sarees, sweets, food-stuffs, processed food products different types of kites including designer kites will be opened around the venue.
“We propose to take the visiting foreign tourists and dignitaries to the nearby tourism spots so that this shall automatically culminate in a regular annual feature of Belgaum city in the years to follow,” stated Patil urging people of Goa to take part in the festival in big numbers.
