International kite festival in Hubballi on Jan 19

On the model of the international kite festival being held in Belagavi every year, an international kite festival by the same team is being organised for the first time in Hubballi.

The kite festival is being held at the BVB College ground at Vidyanagar here on January 19.

In association with Mangal Bharati organisation, Kshamata NGO, and former MLA Abhay Patil, MP Pralhad Joshi has organised the kite festival, which will be a platform for the display of colourful kites of different shapes and sizes by international and national-level kite fliers.

"This event is aimed at promoting such sports during Sankranti season and it will boost tourism activities in the long run. We want to hold this event every year," MP Pralhad Joshi said.

He told media persons here on Tuesday that the kite festival would be held from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, which would also include a competition.

Among 39 kite fliers participating in the event, 22 are from 12 foreign countries including Australia, France, Switzerland, Canada, USA,   and Denmark, he said.

On airport naming

When asked about the demand for naming upgraded Hubballi Airport after Basaveshwara, Sri Siddharooda Swamiji, and Sangolli Rayanna, Mr Joshi stated that the Union Government would take a decision based on the recommendation of the State Government.

"As there is no single opinion about the issue, it is better that the State Government constitutes an expert committee to recommend a name," he added.