A gust of wind, the draw of a string the kite fest begins
In the days gone by when computers, smart phones or remote-controlled toys were unheard of a simple kite made of tissue paper, had much prominence in a child’s life.
Getting together with siblings or neighborhood friends to create a beautiful kite and fly it in an open space, would mean so much for a child or young adult although such enthusiasm was lost, as time went by.
Kite Sri Lanka Association- the most prominent kite club in the country with a membership of over 2,000 individuals, initiated in 2008, is dedicated to keeping the enthusiasm of the country’s kite lovers alive.
The association is instrumental in organising the annual kite festival and competition – Nil Ahasey Wasanthaya, an event looked forward to by most kite lovers across Sri Lanka – an event that has a fan base beyond borders, according to the Chairman of the Association Prasanna Atulugama who was the brain child behind this concept.
Recalling the initiation of the association Prasanna says, “I was living in Negombo, in close proximity to the air force camp and I remember how I used to get anxious whenever there were airplane movements in the sky. This was obviously because people lived in fear during the war.
But with the end of the war, people felt a big relief. The concept of Nil Ahasey Wasanthaya was a celebration of that tranquility in the sky,” he explains.
The maiden Nil Ahasey Wasanthaya kite festival held at the Negombo beach attracted a large crowd, Prasanna says, adding that thereafter the festival was organised consecutively every year except in 2012 when the association had the opportunity to be represented at several international competitions.
Kite festivals and competitions are a popular concept abroad with countries such as India, USA, Malaysia, China, Italy and France being the host countries of the best international kite festivals.
The association, has brought honour to Sri Lanka by representing the country at the Rajasthan Kite Festival held in 2011 in India, wining the Best Heritage Kite category.
Membership of the association is open to kite enthusiasts, kite makers and kite sellers across the island and over the years the association has also organised short film festivals, kite fashion shows, workshops, etc.
The annual kite festival and competition in Sri Lanka is a popular event in which a cross section of society participates, including politicians, sports personalities and artistes and it features a kite flying competition, kite making competition, creative kite competition and a kite making workshop amidst a carnival type of an atmosphere.
Speaking of the importance of a festival of such a nature, Prasanna says making and flying a kite is an activity that develops the mind and personality while it promotes patience and team work.
| Kite Festival at Galle Face The kite festival and competition, which is currently on at Galle Face Green Colombo is held under several categories such as the most creative kite, the best fighter kite, the best national heritage kite. Additionally, there will be a competition category on the theme of combating narcotics in support of the Campaign by the Presidential Task Force for Combating Narcotics. Registration for the kite festival will be between 8.30 am. to 11.30a.m. with competitions to commence in the afternoon. More details regarding the event can be obtained via the hotline 0778390490 or via Kite Sri Lanka facebook fan page. | |