Poikkal Kuthirai to join Tamil Nadu’s cultural icons in the skies

The Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival (TNIKF) will feature a Poikkal Kuthirai-themed kite this year, joining the State's cultural icons in the skies. Poikkal Kuthirai, a traditional folk dance performed during village festivals and cultural events in Tamil Nadu, involves performers wearing a lightweight, decorated dummy horse frame around their waist while dancing.

This dance has gained popularity over the years. TNIKF organizers aim to promote Tamil Nadu's cultural icons, starting with the Poikkal Kuthirai kite design. Next year, they plan to introduce a kite inspired by the Nilgiri tahr, the State animal. The festival, organized by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department in collaboration with Global Media Box, expects over 40,000 visitors this year and has free entry for the public.

The event takes place from August 14 to 16, aiming to boost international tourist arrivals, encourage domestic travel, and establish Tamil Nadu as a preferred destination for cultural and tourism events.