The Indian Kite Festival 2012 organised by Vaishnav Parivar was once again, like in previous years, extremely successful this year in spite of the bad weather.
The Festival was to be held on January 7 but had to be called off due to heavy rain on that day. Yet so many people from Whangarei to Hamilton called Vaishnav Parivar and Radio Tarana enquiring about the event. Responding to such public interest Vaishnav Parivar decided to hold the 2012 Kite Festival on the following Saturday, January 14.
That day too started with rain and again threatened the festival but the weather slowly cleared by midday and the event got under way in true festive style. One had to admire the dedication and perseverance of the organisers and volunteers who set up the scene and were ready to kick off as soon as the weather cleared.
Drawing and colour competition, free face painting and fun rides were some of the highlights of the 2012 Festival. Children and adults had great fun and enjoyment. There was something for everyone. Indian food, colourful kites and dancing to the tune of DJ music kept everyone entertained.
Senior citizens mingled in the crowd and those who did not partake in kite flying or other entertainment were busy socialising with family and friends. The climax of the Festival was the drawing of the Raffle. The first prize of one return air ticket to India sponsored by Eco Travels of Mt Albert was won by Mrs Anila Shah.
In thanking all their sponsors, supporters and participants especially the Lion Foundation, ASB Bank and Eco Travels, Vaishnav Parivar promised to hold a bigger and much improved Indian Kite Festival in January 2013.