Hubballi skies get dotted with kites of myriad sizes, colour

Kites of different sizes, shapes, patterns, and myriad colours dotted the Hubballi skyscape as the two-day International Kite Festival began on the outskirts of Hubballi on Saturday with kite flyers from across the country and abroad participating in it.

As the kites of unique shapes and sizes fluttered in the air dotting the clear skies, hundreds of people cheered and rejoiced, and few even tried their hands at flying the kites.

Chairman of Karnataka Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti along with Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad inaugurated the festival by flying kites. The kite festival is part of the ‘Samsadara Kreeda Mahotsava’ during which various games, including indigenous games, are held.

Lauding the initiative, Mr. Horatti said that the festival provided an opportunity to children to come out the shackles of mobile addiction and pressure of studies. He called upon the children to learn desi games and thereby preserve them along with preserving the culture and heritage of the country.

Mr. Joshi said that the ‘Samsadara Kreeda Mahaotsava’ was being held from the last seven years as per the suggestion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and this year around hundreds of sportspersons and general public had participated in the competitions.

Recalling his childhood days when kites were made at home, Mr. Joshi said that kite flying was part of Indian culture and emphasised the need for passing it on to the next generation.

Kite flyers Keerti Suranjan, Chandesh Kaddi and Prasanna, who travel around the country participating in kite festivals, said that they were encouraged by the overwhelming response of the people, which they said would motivate them to come up with new designs.

Along with kite festival and indigenous games, musical concerts are being held during the two-day event.