Enthusiasts from abroad to take part in kite festival on Jan 13

SURAT: The tourism department and the district administration will jointly organize the 13th International Kite Festival at Tapi riverfront here on January 13.
Four expert kite fliers from Malaysia, one from Belgium, 10 from Maharashtra, two from Karantaka, five from Kerala and two from Navsari in Gujarat will participate in the festival. All of them have been flying kites at different kite flying events across the world.They would fly big-sized kites of different shapes and colours in to entertain the people of Surat.
The expert kite fliers would be given a traditional welcome and also presented with a memento. A cultural programme will also be held on the occasion.
District collector Rajender Kumar said, "We are looking forward to see these experts fly their kites in our skies."
Meanwhile, the district administration has made special arrangements along with the police to ensure that mischief mongers are kept at bay.
"Our staff members will be keeping a close watch in the nearby residential towers and on the ground to keep the mischief mongers at bay. There are certain elements who fly kites from apartments and deliberately cut the kites of the fliers. The specialized kites are costly and thus we will be keeping a close watch on such elements," said an officer.