Kite enthusiasts from 35 countries gather in Kutch

Vadodara Jan 13 (PTI) Kite fliers from as many as 35countries have landed at Mandvi coast in Kutch district ofGujarat, district authorities said today.

"After flying kites in the white desert'' (Safed Rann) atDordo yesterday, the kite enthusiasts have turned up inMandvi to fly kites on the beach," said M Thenarsan, thedistrict collector.

"It is also promoting tourism in this part of the state,"he told PTI, adding that over 5000 people have gathered theretoday.

The turn-over of the kite industry in the state this timeis expected to be around Rs 400 crore, ahead of the festivalof Uttarayan on January 14, said Jaynarayan Vyas, statetourism minister.

Despite 20 to 30 per cent hike in the prices of kites andstrings (manjha''), the sales are picking up across the state,he said.

Interestingly, the kite-flying season is also witnessingbrisk sale of "neck belts", which protect necks fromkite-strings. Strings often have coating of abrasivesubstances such as crushed glass which helps cut other kites,but can also cause injuries.