Kite flying – Kudla style

Kite flying – Kudla style

A kite soaring high in the sky is a sight for sore eyes. Gaalipata is a traditional sport which has caught the fascination of both young and old alike. Kite flying is followed worldwide. Such is the love for the sport that it sets your heart racing the moment you let loose the kite. In North India, particularly Gujarath, people celebrate kite flying, holding kite festivals every year in January. Down south, it is fast becoming very popular. A steady breeze is a pre-requisite for kite flying. Panambur happens to be a perfect place to enjoy kite flying. The sound of rushing waves and the shrill sounds of joy of thousands of kite lovers add to the colourful festive atmosphere.

Kite flying is an art. Known for its tradition and culture, Kudla embraced kite flying. Designing its shape and size involves meticulous practice. Its popularity grew with people from diverse fields – from academics to professionals – showing keen interest in kite flying. In coastal Karnataka, Yakshagana is a folkart. It is a heady mix of dance and drama. Attractive head-gear, colourful dresses and bright make-up are essential features  of Yakshagana. No wonder then that Kudla found kite flying a very enjoyable sport as it blended with the multi-colored Yakshagana. While Western countries mainly confine kite designing to comic characters, Namma Kudla started designing kites depicting various forms of mythological characters and art – from Gajendra to Durga, Kathakali to Bharatanatyam which fascinated the local people endlessly. The kites designed here come in all shapes and sizes, from dragons to lizards, bat to owl. They are admired by all, specially the kids. These innovative designs became an instant hit as people simply loved the characters and its symbolism.

While North India used powdered glass and other material to make kite which endanger birds, the kites made by Kudla are harmless as clothes and riptop nylon are used to design different types of kites. These kites can be preserved for years. And also they can be carried in kits. Team Mangalore specializes in making kites. They have an excellent team of people totally involved in kite making. From managing events to holding kite flying competitions, Team Mangalore has won recognition worldwide. A 12 ft by 32 ft kite designed by them has won them recognition for the biggest kite by Limca Book of Records! Team Mangalore have showcased their skill in kite flying in different parts of the world – UK, Middle East, South Korea, France etc. 

The colourful and fascinating event of Kite flying is being held once every two years in Kudla in the period between January-April. It is next scheduled in January 2018. And art lovers of Kudla is feverishly waiting for the occasion. The kite festival of Kudla is attracting participation from various countries too.   As you watch the kite fly high with the wind behind it, the experience can be very relaxing to the body. With every tug, the kite darts away as though in a race to reach the sky. A kite soaring high into the sky also symbolizes the high aspirations of the people in life. To control it and pull it back is another skilful exercise. Perhaps it is one of the very few sports where the number of participants is not a barrier. It can be played solo just as it can be played by hundreds simultaneously! And enjoyed by even more!

The color and the glamour make kite flying such a pleasurable activity, admired deeply by people of all age,  irrespective of gender, class and creed. Kite flying has a unifying and liberating effect on the mind. And Kudla is making ‘waves’ with its kite flying extravaganza on the beautiful beach of Panambur!