Global kite enthusiasts elevate Mangaluru’s skies with art and passion

Mangaluru: From kites named “Yangtze,” which mimic wave movements, to “Nyoman Shimmy,” a train kite with 35 elements, kite flyer Andreas Agren from Sweden has been crafting kites for over 30 years.

“Though I hail from Sweden, I presently live in Bali, Indonesia, which has one of the strongest kite cultures in the world. This is my third visit to Mangaluru to participate in the two-day ONGC-MRPL International Kite Festival organised by Team Mangalore at Tannirbavi Beach,” Andreas (75) told DH.

“The fantastic wind along the shores of Mangaluru’s beaches makes kite flying memorable. I’m an IT engineer who developed a keen interest in kites and began designing them based on ideas I’ve had over the past 30 years. I do not like inflatable, huge kites,” he said. Before arriving in Mangaluru, Andreas participated in a kite festival in Hyderabad with light-wind kites.

The octopus kite is the specialty of UK-based couple Claire and Dave Hardwick. They are also members of the Octoposse Kite Team. For the kite festival, they brought their Rooster kite to complement the festival’s mascot, Uriye—the Fiery Rooster of Tulunadu. “This is our first visit to Mangaluru. Kiting is our hobby and passion,” said Claire.

“Kite festivals are not popular in the UK, as children spend most of their time on computers and mobile phones. Team Mangalore is doing an amazing job by organising kite festivals. There’s lovely wind and lovely people with smiles on their faces,” said Dave Hardwick.

“I have been making kites since the age of three, and the passion continued even as I grew up,” said Guilherme Linares from Italy. He is attending the kite festival with his wife, Sandra Gheno, also a kite flyer.

“I was born in Brazil and later moved to Italy. My wife, son, and I work together on different kinds of kites. I have a 50-meter-long Pinocchio kite, sunflowers, seagulls, a big bol, and more. We design, make, and fly kites under the name Teste Per Aria (head in the air),” he said.

The couple has traveled to over 40 countries to participate in kite festivals, including Ahmedabad and Hyderabad in India. “Once in a lifetime, everyone should visit India to see its beautiful places and experience the friendliness of its people. One will never find themselves in trouble here. Every time I visit India, I’ve noticed positive changes,” Guilherme Linares emphasised.

Suharmin from Muna Island, Indonesia, showcased sports kites and dragon kites. He has been conducting workshops on making traditional kites in his homeland. Muna Island is renowned for its unique kite made of leaves, which flies without a tail, he added.