Kites Soar Over Puri Beach to Celebrate Rath Yatra

Puri: Against the vibrant backdrop of the annual Rath Yatra, the skies above Puri’s Light House Square turned into a canvas of color and celebration as a spectacular kite flying festival captivated tourists and devotees today.

Organized by Planet Development Foundation (PDF) 2.0, a trust dedicated to people and planetary well-being, the event showcased an array of creatively designed kites—panther-shaped, long centipede-like forms, and one prominently featuring the word “Bharat.” Each kite carried a message, aiming to spread joy and harmony during the sacred nine-day journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.

“The kite festival was our way of wishing everyone a Happy Rath Yatra,” said Sonali Prayadarsini, one of the core team members of PDF 2.0. “As the divine trinity step out of their sanctum to bless devotees on their annual sojourn, we took this moment to promote happiness and peace for both people and the planet.”

Beachgoers, especially children and selfie enthusiasts, were delighted by the mesmerizing aerial display. “I’ve been flying message-bearing kites in Puri for several years now, especially during Rath Yatra,” shared Jassy, a seasoned kite flyer. “This year too, the vibrant kites drew huge crowds and sparked joy among onlookers.”

The festival was hosted by Kite Mine and supported by various partners including Rotary, All Things Odisha, Kosher Opticals, and Netrika, turning the sacred coastal city into a hub of color, culture, and community spirit.