Beypore International Water Fest Gets Underway

KOZHIKODE:
The Beypore International Water Fest, heralded as the most significant tourism festival in Malabar, kicked off today with an impressive lineup of events.

Tourism and Public Works Minister PA Muhammad Riyas inaugurated the Beypore Water Fest, highlighting its significance in global water sports and local tourism.

He noted the festival’s positive impact on Beypore’s infrastructure, including enhancements to the Beypore-Chaliyam route.

The minister also pointed out that extra dose bridge between Beypore and Chaliyam will soon be completed, improving regional transportation.

Beypore Marina stands out as one of the premier tourist destinations in Kerala, having gained international recognition through the prominence of this water festival.

The minister outlined plans to tap into the tourism potential from Kozhikode to Beypore, ensuring a thriving future for the region’s hospitality industry.

The minister launched a new speedboat service connecting Kozhikode Beach to Beypore, reducing travel time to just 15 minutes.

Each boat accommodates up to 13 passengers and includes safety measures to ensure a secure journey.

The atmosphere in Beypore was electrifying, particularly during the International Kite Fest, which Ahmed Devarkovil MLA inaugurated.

Kite enthusiasts from diverse nations, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Oman, Turkey, Mauritius, and various Indian states such as Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Odisha, gathered to showcase their skills in this thrilling competition.

The sky filled with a variety of spectacular kites featuring designs of giant animals such as horses and tigers, vibrant flags from different countries, and the Water Fest emblem. A variety of competitions commenced, including categories such as kite stunts, sports kites, 3D kites, and kite displays.

Daily kite shows will be held from 2 PM to 6 PM, culminating in the announcement of winners on the final day of the festival.

Adding to the visual spectacle, gliders launched from Goteeswaram Beach created a breathtaking display above Marina Beach, astonishing the festival-goers.

A daily para-motoring show during the fest will run from 3 PM to 6 PM, featuring performances by esteemed paramotor gliders Salim Hasan from Kozhikode and Xavier Thomas from Kannur, both members of the Paragliding Association of India.

The inaugural day of the 5th Beypore International Water Fest featured the impressive reception of the Navy ship INS Kalpeni at Beypore port.

Hundreds of spectators gathered to explore the ship, including the front deck and quarterdeck, as well as its advanced security systems. Visitors could board the vessel from 10 AM to 5 PM, with free entry for all.

District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh presided over the function. Kerala Tourism Director Sikha Surendran, former MLA VKC Mammadkoya, District Police Chief T Narayanan, Tourism Joint Director D Girish Kumar, Fr Jiju Palliparamba, and Prakashan Karuthedath also spoke.

The gathering also featured councillors K Rajeevan, Shinu Pinnanath, Nimmi Prashanth, K Sureshan, AP Tasleena, and E Anitha Kumari, as well as commandant Sandeep Singh, political party representatives, organising committee members, and officials from the Tourism Department.

Artistic performances from local artists and Kudumbashree members enhanced the event.