Kite flying Tradition
Kite flying has always been enjoyed by people all over the world. Not only is it a highly beneficial recreational and social activity but it also forms the cornerstone of many cultures around the world. Countries like India and China have special festivals which remain incomplete without witnessing the vibrant and colorful kites soaring in the sky.
However, regardless of the good that kite flying brings, one cannot refuse to see the bad that come with it. It is a well known fact that kite flying can turn hazardous, even fatal in some cases.
The widespread use of metal and glass kite strings, irresponsible behaviours like flying kites at high altitudes and disposing them off without care, are some of the contributing reasons to making kite flying such a dangerous activity. While these are problems due to our handling of the kites, then certain types of kites are harmful because of the way they are built.
This is mainly seen one specific type of kites called ‘Manja’ kites. The newer class of kites incorporate certain features which is aimed at addressing the issues with Manja kites.
However, by making ourselves aware of the consequences of our mindless actions, we can bring about a change.
The problem and solution
- Use of glass coated strings – Due to the use of glass coated strings(a.k.a. Manjha), many kite flying accidents have resulted in severe bodily injuries. A few severe cases even witnessed death due to electrocution. Cheaply made Chinese kite strings can conduct electricity. If a kite touches an electric pole, it is bound to cause severe injuries or even death.Not just humans, hundreds of birds die every year because of these twines. Instead of opting for the deadly metal chord kites, one can choose from a wide range of modern kites which are available in the market these days. These modern kites are manufactured with special materials, keeping in mind the safety of humans and animals alike.
One class of such kites are called designer kites, FLY360 were the first in India to start the trend of designer kites. They are also closely associated with organizations and help in spreading awareness about the ill-effects on Manjha kites.
- Flying kites at high heights – People often tend to get passionate while flying kites and do not realize when they cross the bar of safety. Kites are meant to be flown at a certain height, crossing which can cause severe fatalities. Firstly, having a kite too up in the sky can make it very hard to spot it, thus putting the flyer in danger of falling while concentrating.More importantly, the kite line(thread) is thin and not easily noticeable, the birds in the sky can’t see them and end up flying right into it causing them to lose a wing or a foot or even bleeding to death. Thus, one should keep a track of the height that she/he is flying their kite as well as try and find an open area/ ground to do the same in order to ensure the safety of all.
- Disposal of kites – Taking proper care while disposing off a kite is as important as taking precautions while flying it. The accumulation of glass and metal chords in flying grounds and the streets post festivals is not only harmful for the smaller animals who might eat them but also proves to be a great threat to the environment. It is only responsible to collect the chords and broken kites and throw them in a bin.
Why the ban on Manjha kites?
In order to enforce certain safety standards for kite flying, the NGT(National Green Tribunal) imposed a ban on the ‘manjha’ that was being used for kite flying in 2017. The Supreme Court, further refused to lift the ban, declining to interfere with the NGT’s decision.
For many, this was seen as a sad judgement since using manja has always been an important part of flying kites and the thought of using alternatives seems saddening. However, this ban was by and largely accepted warmly people are now becoming more environment conscious and want to make efforts to sustain and protect this planet.
The experiences of people who use modern kites help convince the other half of the population in favour of this ban as modern kites are made with environment friendly materials, hence giving a much better experience than Manjhas. The ban would also help in reducing the death of birds which was common during the peak of kite flying season. The ban has lead to many positive outcomes and will surely encourage kite-flying in an environment friendly manner.
What do we recommend ?
This doesn’t mean that you have to let go of your passion of flying kites. The newer class of kites like designer kites are environment friendly. There are many companies striving towards making kite flying an enjoyable and environment friendly activity, one of them is FLY360.
FLY360, Estd in 1994, takes care of all the problems that come with kite flying, ensuring that you experience uninterrupted fun while being assured of doing your bit towards protecting the environment.
Their kites come in various designs, colours and patterns that are extremely appealing to the eye and definitely make the experience a lot more enjoyable.
They make modern kites which have bird-friendly ‘manjha’, made out of much safer materials. They are a group of passionate kite flying enthusiasts who are here to help you create the most cherishable memories with the perfect ambience without causing harm to yourself or others. The professionals at FLY360 can teach you the right way of flying kites. Remember, kite flying is an art, it is way more enjoyable when you do it the right way.
They can also be contacted for club memberships which lets you travel and attend kite festivals with amazing flyers from all over the world!
As a wildlife veterinarian who has treated many birds injured by kite strings, I deeply appreciate this article’s balanced approach. The article correctly identifies synthetic manja as the primary danger while acknowledging that kite flying itself is not inherently harmful to wildlife. The advocacy for biodegradable string and responsible flying is exactly the message our community needs to hear!
The bird rescue data around Uttarayan in Gujarat is alarming — thousands of birds are injured by kite strings every year, most due to synthetic manja. This article strikes exactly the right balance: celebrating kite flying culture while unambiguously advocating for bird safety. The solution is not to ban kites but to return to safer materials. Fly360 takes a responsible position on this important issue!
Great job on your blog post! It was evident that you put a lot of effort into researching and crafting the content. I found it to be engaging and informative.
The environmental impact section is very well researched. The contrast between traditional organic manja — which degrades naturally — and modern synthetic variants tells a larger story about how industrialisation can transform a harmless tradition into a harmful one. The path forward is clear: certification of safer string materials and community education. Excellent advocacy journalism!
Our NGO runs bird rescue operations during Uttarayan every year and the toll from synthetic manja is heartbreaking. Articles like this one that educate kite fliers about the impact of their choices without demonising the tradition are invaluable. Will share this article with every kite shop in Surat ahead of this season. Thank you Fly360!
BirdLife International tracks bird mortality from human activities worldwide and kite string injuries are a recognised but preventable cause. This article by Fly360 is a model of how kite enthusiasts themselves can be part of the solution. When the kite flying community champions bird safety, the message carries far more weight than external advocacy. Sharing this with our Italian chapter immediately!