International kite fete on Jan 17 at Warangal 

Warangal: Tri-cities of Warangal-Hanamkonda-Kazipet to have an extended Sankranti this year, courtesy the International Kite Festival organised by the Telangana Tourism Department that set to dot Warangal skies with colorful kites. In a move that is expected to give a major fillip to tourism promotion, the State Government which organised kite festival in Hyderabad last year also added two more destinations - Warangal and Yadadri – this year for the fete with an aim to promote tourism in the region.

This is the first time that Warangal, touted as the next destination after Hyderabad, to host a kite fete of International level. Kite fliers from 31 nations are expected to take part in the festival that is scheduled for January 17, after their three-day sojourn in Hyderabad beginning from January 13 and Yadagirigutta on January 16. Eleven expert kite fliers of the country will also take part in the event. Special attraction of the festival is remote controlled kites. Besides the traditional kites, remote controlled kites will also be flown, it’s learnt. PV Sindhu, the Olympic Silver Medal winner, is the official ‘face’ of the festival christened as ‘Kite-2017’.

Speaking to The Hans India, Warangal Urban district collector Amrapali Kata said: “This is a prestigious event that could bring international identity to the city. The administration is making elaborate arrangements to make the Kite-2017 a huge success. Efforts are also on to reflect the culture and tradition of the Kakatiya dynasty during the festival.” Plans are afoot to put up around 30 stalls that include items such as handlooms, handicrafts etc., besides food courts at the Arts and Science College Grounds, the venue of kite festival.

District Tourism Officer M Shivaji expressed hope that the festival is likely to give a major thrust to tourism, especially attracting overseas tourists. He said that number of foreign tourists visited Warangal district (undivided) was over 1,000, besides 79 lakh domestic tourists in 2016. It’s learnt that authorities have already earmarked Rs 5 lakh for the conduct of the event.

Meanwhile, the administration has plans to conduct a meeting on January 6 to finalise the event. Representatives of Aga Khan Academy of Hyderabad will also attend the meeting in coordinating the event. The administration has also directed the education authority to make arrangements for the participation of students in the festival.

By Adepu Mahender