Mangaluru : Hundreds of colourful kites adored the skies of Panambur beach at the International Kite Festival organised by Rotary International in the city on Saturday.

Kite flyers from various countries took part in the fest and variety of uniquely-shaped kites reflected the theme ‘One kite, one earth, one family’.

The traditional Cambodian kite, which creates musical sounds when it flies, stickless balloon-like kites and turbine shaped rotating kite attracted attention. Kites designed in the form of octopus, fish, cow and such other kites in different shapes and sizes amused the crowd.

Ariel photography, based on picavet lacing technique, carried out by NITK team led by Dr Prithviraj, Assistant Professor, department of Applied Mechanics and Hydraullics, were among the highlights of the fest.

Kite photography competition was also held on the occasion. Participants from Australia, Cambodia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Kuwait, Netherlands, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and United Kingdom took part.

Rotary International District Governor Dr Bharatesh inaugurated the fest. Ramakrishna Kamath and Team Mangalore Founder Sarvesh Rao were present among others.