Gokarna: Deputy Commissioner K Harishkumar said that the government was planning to hold an international kite festival in Uttara Kannada district every year.

Speaking after participating in the Kite Festival-2020 organised by the District Administration and the Tourism Department at the main beach in Gokarna on Saturday, Harishkumar said that priority was being given to create an ambience conducive for development of tourism in Uttara Kannada district. Holding an international kite festival in the district would definitely help in attracting more tourists.

“Holding cultural and entertaining festivals in various pilgrim centres of the district has also been planned. Like the Kadambotsava in Banavasi, Karavali Utsav in Karwar, Scuba Diving Fest at Murdeshwar, Hornbill Fest at Dandeli, it
has been aimed to hold kite festival during Shivaratri at Gokarna. This year, it has been held on an experimental basis at the local level,” Harishkumar said.

MLA Dinkar Shetty, who inaugurated the festival, said that Gokarna attracts a lot of domestic and foreign tourists every year. But it is denied of a lot of basic facilities. Therefore, the deputy commissioner must make efforts to address them.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Nagaraj Singrer, Kumta Assistant Commissioner Ajit M, Kumta Tahsildar Meghraj Naik, Gokarna Gram Panchayat President Mahalaxmi Badthi, Hanehalli Gram Panchayat Jayant Naik and others were present.

Life Guards felicitated

On the occasion, Life Guards who have been working in Gokarna since long and rescuing several lives were felicitated by the Tourism Department.