Modi grounds Kite fest, not Navratri

He told The Indian Express that the Government spends about Rs 25-Rs 30 lakh on the festival every year — on air fare and accommodation provided to foreign kitists who participate in the four-day festival beginning January 11. ‘‘When the Government is facing an acute financial crisis, there is no point in organising such an event for the luxury of foreign kitists at the cost of the State Exchequer,’’ the official added.

Over 40 kitists from France, Germany, Japan, USA, UK and Canada are invited by the State Government for the festival every year, which spends on their air travel and stay.

The official said the Corporation is somehow managing its establishment costs through the revenue generated from various tourist projects, besides earning from the Royal Orient Train services and the 15 per cent commission charged from employees on Leave Travel Concession (LTC).

‘‘The Corporation had even suggested to the Government to drop the annual Tarnetar fair in Surendranagar in September due to shortage of funds. But, it had to organise the event following pressure from ruling BJP bosses,’’ he said. The official said the Government should promote festivals like Navratri instead, which will preserve the cultural heritage of the state and also attract foreign tourists.

Tourism Secretary P.K. Lehari confirmed that the kite festival has been cancelled. ‘‘The government has cancelled the international kite festival and in its place we will be promoting the festival of Navratri,’’ he said, denying that the state would lose out on valuable foreign exchange due to cancellation of the festival that is popular among tourists.

He cited lack of sponsors and Air India cancelling free tickets that lured international kite flyers to the state as reasons behind the decision.