Every child has flown at least one kite in their childhood. Or tried to. Our parents or grandparents usually took us to the beach to fly these and it usually was a lot of fun. Especially when there was a good breeze that made it fly and loop-de-loop all over the place, inciting happy giggles from us.
What is a kite?
Traditionally, a kite is a tethered heavier-than-air craft with wing surfaces that react against the air to create lift and drag. It consists of wings, tethers, pulleys, and anchors. They often have a bridle to guide the face at the correct angle so the wind can lift it. (Source: Wikipedia)
The Goa International Kite Festival at Miramar beach
For the last 3 years, Parivartan Parivar, with politician Abhay Patil at the helm and in collaboration with the GTDC has been organizing this festival at Miramar beach. This year, the fourth edition of the Goa International Kite Festival is already underway. It started yesterday, 16th January 2018.
“The past editions of Goa International Kite Festival have brought global recognition to Goa and enhanced tourism. The festival attracts many domestic and international tourists during this season and this helps to enhance business opportunities for Goans,” said event coordinator Ashok Naik at a press conference held on Monday at a city hotel in Panaji.
Highlight of the festival
Today, 17th January is day 2 of the festival. Yesterday, saw the skies above Miramar beach come alive with a variety of kites. The highlight of the festival is the night kite flying. These were not from the stars but from the tiny LED lights attached to each kite to make for easy flying in the dark. It also made for a very pretty picture.
This year too, the festival has participants from all over the globe. These include participants from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, France and Estonia. Participants from 5 different states in India have also turned up.
“This is my second year here and it’s wonderful to see such enthusiasm,” the festival’s senior-most participant, Sarath Kingsley, said. The Australian has four decades of kite flying under his belt now. With several awards to his name and international recognition from many quarters, he specialises in making and flying high-wind kites.
For other participants, Bob C and David from the United Kingdom, this kind of activity is akin to worship.
“The perfect wind and the proper kite makes the string sing. For me, flying a kite is like going to church. That’s my way of offering my thanks to the universe,” David said. He designs every single one of the black and white kites that he flies.
Considering there’s just today left, go check out the flying skills of these participants at Miramar beach. The festival is free and open to all and definitely unique enough to check out.
Information credit: TOI
ItsGoa/JAN/KDGP
