The terror threat which has severely affected tourism in the country has probably not cast its shadow over the famous kite festival of Gujarat. More number of foreign delegates are expected to participate in the four day international kite festival beginning from January 10.

This year about 82 foreigners are expected to take part in the festival. While last year about 62 foreigners participated, State Tourism Minister Jaynarayan Vyas said. Talking to mediapersons about the 18th international kite festival he said that there would be 72 participants from India. About 200 people would take part in kite flying as against 150 last year.

Kitists from different countries like Japan, Australia, Malaysia, America, Brazil, France, Canada would show their skills. The competition would be in five different categories like foreign designed kite, foreign collage kite, miniature kite and Indian fighter kite.

The festival would have cultural programme, drawing competition for kids and kite manufacturing at the festival site, Vyas said. There would be crafts bazaar, food courts and theme pavilions at the Shahibaug police stadium where the kite festival would be held.

Vyas said that kite production industry was developing at a rapid pace and the turnover of the sector which has been declared as micro sector has doubled in three years. It was Rs.100 crore three years before and it has reached 200 crore, he added. 

Gujarat Global News Network, Ahmedabad