Bhopal, Apr 26: 'My city seems to have changed a lot. It has become more attractive now. During the night scores of lights in the city reminds me as if I am looking towards the sky where stars are shining. All over the city, the scenery is different. Everybody seems to be happy and enjoying every moment. There is boat racing in the lake. the programme that forces one to laugh loud is going on. It looks as if the identify of my city of lakes and hills has completely changed'.

The 8-day Bhopal Carnival Festival concluded here on Saturday. Organised by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, the Carnival was successfully conducted with the active cooperation of Directorate of Culture, MP Handicrafts Development Corporation, Bhopal Municipal Corporation, Bhopal Development Authority and Sports and Youth Welfare Department. The colourful programmes including drama, arts etc were enjoyed by the citizens of the city as well as the tourists who visited the Carnival during the last eight days.

Apart from the artists, political leaders and police administration cooperated with the activities conducted at the Carnival. Cycle Race, Marathon, Tonga Race, Paintings Exhibition, Kavvali Singing, Singing of Bhajans etc were conducted during the Carnival days. The most enjoyed items include the 'Laughter Show' and 'Singing of Film Songs' by Vinod Rathore.

On the concluding day of the 4-day kite competition on Saturday, Bhopal's Rafiq Club was declared as the winner. The competition was held at Baaz Adventure Zone, Kaliasoth. 32 teams including three teams from New Delhi - Ekta Club, Juhi Club, and Raj Club - participated. But the outsider clubs could not beat the clubs of Bhopal. On the final day competition was held between the All India Kite Club, Bhopal and Rafiq Club, Bhopal. Trophy was awarded to the winning team. The Bhopal Today Team reporters talked with some of the competitors.

Mohammed Amir, winner of kite competition said he is a mechanic by profession but was interested in kite flying since he was a child. According to him, in this changed time, encouragement should be given to kite flying and more such competitions held. 'During the competition, I got a chance to show my expertise in kite flying'. Earlier, kite flying was a hobby of Nawabs. It has now become the common man's hobby. 'I have won kite flying competitions in Mumbai and Delhi', he said.

Mohammed Rafiq, Javed's father and captain of Rafiq Kite Club was happy that his son was adjudged the first runner up in the competition. He said Javed's main hobby since he was a child was kite flying. He is improving every day, Rafiq said.

Mohammed Javed, first runner up (India Club) said he was interested in kite flying since school days. During those days, I along with friends used to enjoy kite flying in the evenings. 'I'm happy to get a prize in this competition', he said.

Mohammed Shafiq, member of India Club is a carpenter by profession. According to him, kite flying is an art to be displayed in the sky. 'The kite dances in the sky as per direction of the hands'. All those who have participated in the competition did their best, he said.

Abdul Wahid, second runner up is a tailor by profession. I am interested in kite flying for quite some time. But these days it is very difficult to spare time for my hobby. In this competition I did my best, he said. I congratulate Amir and Javed for their success. According to him, more such competitions should be held so that more kite flying people could participate and show their expertise, he added.