MALABAR INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL BEKAL BEACH Panchayat/ Municipality/ Pallikkara Panchayat Corporation LOCATION District Kasargode Nearest Town/ P K Mall – 800 m Landmark/ Junction Nearest Bus station Pallikkara 2nd Bus Stop - 1.2 Km Nearest Railway Kanhangad Railway Station – 10.4 Km station ACCESSIBILITY Nearest Airport Kannur International Airport – 97.1 Km The Secretary Bekal Resorts Development Corporation District Tourism Promotion Council Phone: +91-467-2272007 Vidya Nagar Kasaragod – 671123 Phone: +91-4994-256450 CONTACT Email: [email protected] Website: www.dtpckasargode.com DATES FREQUENCY DURATION TIME April - May (to be advised) Annual 3 Days ABOUT THE FESTIVAL (Legend/History/Myth) The Malabar International Kite Festival is a colourful event organized jointly by the Kasargod District Tourism Promotion Council, Bekal Resorts Development Corporation and the Lions Club of Bekal at the Pallikkara Bekal Beach Park. Kite lovers from across the globe and the country showcase their prowess by flying unique varieties of kites such as circle kite, pilot kite, teddy bear kite, Russian kite, rainbow kites etc. The three-day festival comes alive between 3 pm and 9 pm. Previous editions of the festival witnessed over 150 participants from the children’s, couples’ and public section and teams from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore etc. Teams from various Indian states like Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat apart from the host state’s team also took part in the festival. International Over 30,000 RELEVANCE- NO. OF PEOPLE (Local / National / International) PARTICIPATED EVENTS/PROGRAMS DESCRIPTION (How festival is celebrated) Kite Flying Competitions The vibrant festival marks the gathering of hundreds of Photography Competition people who witness and participate in the event. Lanterns Cultural Programs are released into the sky as part of the opening ceremony. Kite Crafting Workshops More than 60 massive kites representing traditions, Beach Sporting Events culture, animals etc. rule and transform the skies of the Bekal beach into one spectacular colourful canvas. One of the highlights of the previous editions were the massive Kathakali kites and those showcasing the spirit of Kerala. The attractive acrobatic sports kites manoeuvred with both hands that appear to make different shapes and sounds are thrilling. Workshops are organized on kite crafting and handling as part of the festival. Traditional art and dance forms of the state such as Thiruvathirakkali, Kathakali, Shinkarimelam, Oppana, Margamkali, Duffumuttu and Kalari are staged. The event is a joyful treat for kite lovers from across the globe..