Beypore International Water Fest Gets Off to a Flying Start

KOZHIKODE:
Breathtaking display by Sarang aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force marked the highlight of the opening of the fourth Beypore International Water Fest as thousands of people thronged the sun-lit seashore of the ancient port town.

Now into its fourth edition, Beypore International Water Fest is organized by the State tourism department.

IAF’s Sarang held aloft its reputation as one of world’s few helicopter aerobatic teams, as four HAL Dhruv MKI helicopters flew in from the north as part of the colourful display. What began with a single line ended with the famous Trishul formation.

Particularly striking was the Sarang team’s aerobatic display, winning thunderous applause from the spectators at Beypore Marina, as the sky opened to the sight of two parallel choppers flying only to be crisscrossed by another pair in opposite direction. They sketched a ‘love’ symbol up above, thanks to the amazing trail of white smoke by the two helicopters.

Also, captivating was the performance of the paragliders, while the jet skiing and surfing too left them in awe.

Another attraction of the event was an international kite flying competition. Eye-catching kites, including flying horses, dragons and tricolor flags, took over the skies of Beypore, with teams from most states of the country and even foreign countries as participants.

By nightfall a drone show dished out a sight that was novel for the gathering, which had been gaining size through steady trickling since the morning. The drones, in various shapes and forms, performed to music and attracted tens of thousands of people.

There were also kayak competitions, equally well-attended. The competitions were held in singles, doubles and mixed categories for men and women separately.

While K.S. Harishankar’s song performance at Beypore Marina left the fans in awe, Jyotsana Radhakrishnan’s song performance at Chaliyam Beach prompted the fans to dance in gay abandon.

The Beypore International Water Fest will conclude on Sunday. The attractions on the closing day include a visit by the Coast Guard ship, a drone show and procession, ahead of the closing ceremony to be studded by a concert by singer-actor Vineeth Sreenivasan.