E-Paper
Kite flying brings Indians together in America
The Salem- Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce organised the 7th Annual Blue Ridge Kite Festival recently.
The Salem- Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce organised the 7th Annual Blue Ridge Kite Festival in Roanoke County on April 16. People professing allegiance to various races, countries, religions and ethnicity gathered at the Green Hill Park.
The event also brought people of all ages, nationalities and communities together. The old and young, Americans, Indians, Chinese, Koreans, and Pakistanis participated in the event.
"It is an art to fly this apparently flimsy looking thing. I love it." said Arihant, an Indian from Bhopal present at the event, having brought kites from India.
Akshay, a 33-year-old Rajasthani, expressed that the event reminded him of India, making him less despondent about his failure to visit Jaipur.
"I've never witnessed such a mass event like kite flying anywhere else in the US. It reminds me greatly of home," said a Sanjay, a convenience store owner.
The spectacular response to the event was seen by the presence of as many as 8,000 people who enjoyed the Kite Festival from 8 am to 4 pm in the evening on Saturday.
JP Arora, settled in US since 1999 said, he enjoyed the kite duel with his friend, especially in America. Comparing last year's event to the present one, he admitted that there was an increase in the crowd and Indian kites.
Bhadresh from Surat, also a second timer at the festival, said "I could get my children with me this time and I'm happy about it."
The Green Hill Park was transformed into a cultural hub with the Blue Ridge Kite Festival in Roanoke.
