The Chairman of the IFMST Air Sports Committee announced the end of the Valvathithurai Thai Pongal International Kite Festival
This grand event was held on the 14th of January 2025 at the picturesque Uthayasooriyan Beach, Valvathithurai, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
This grand celebration witnessed an overwhelming participation of 135 skilled kite competitors from various regions and an awe-inspiring crowd of over one hundred thousand spectators who gathered to witness this remarkable cultural and aviation spectacle. The event not only captivated the local community but also drew extensive attention from both national and international media, with comprehensive coverage and special features highlighting the event’s significance.
The festival showcased an extraordinary display of kites, some of which were nothing short of engineering marvels. Among the many breathtaking creations was a kite demonstrating electricity generation through a wind turbine, innovatively coupled with a dynamo system. Most kites flown during the festival were groundbreaking 4D designs (3D structures integrated with wind turbines and other functional elements), further pushing the boundaries of traditional kite flying and blending art with sustainable technology.
The festival concluded with a mesmerizing cultural performance where Indian and Sri Lankan artists collaborated on a Tamil music show, captivating the audience late into the night and adding a rich cultural dimension to this aviation-themed celebration.
While the weather posed occasional challenges, the event team demonstrated remarkable resilience and successfully managed the conditions, ensuring the festival’s completion with great spirit and enthusiasm.
The Valvathithurai Thai Pongal International Kite Festival was not just a celebration of the skies but a unifying platform that brought together tradition, innovation, and community spirit. On behalf of the International Air Sport Committee of IFMST, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, organizers, artists, and spectators for making this event a phenomenal success.
Let this festival be a beacon of harmony, creativity, and cultural pride as we continue to promote air sports and traditional games on a global platform.
**Thank you.**
Captain.Harsha Govinda Koralearachchi
