A kite-making workshop in France by Golden Kite Club

In the Hindu calendar, Makar Sankranti is a festive occasion dedicated to the deity Surya. And kite flying is an integral part of it. Here's how you can take measures to enjoy the activity while being environmentally conscious.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.81%

AAP 42.19%

INC 25.00%

Submit

View All In Poll

Fabric change

"In the past, kites were made using large leaves, gum from trees and thread. And about 2,500 years ago, the Chinese would make them from rice paper and would use bamboo sticks as the frame. The use of plastic is fairly recent," Ashok Shah shares. The Dahanu-based kite designer has gone on to make innovative kites — a giant Superman as well as an artificial diamond-studded one of Lord Krishna and Radha.

Shahzaday Abbas

Shah doesn't use plastic and instead picks ripstop nylon that is a lightweight, airtight fabric with a rod made out of fiberglass. But since this material isn't easily available to households, he suggests buying a piece of waterproof nylon used in umbrellas instead. Another option is Chinese silk. "Bamboo can be used for frames up to 20 inches. As the size increases, so will the use of hi-tech materials," he adds.

Nisarg Shah

Paper tales

Nisarg Shah of Borivali-based kite design brand Fly360 says that the kite industry has evolved over the years according to the changing tastes of consumers. "It saddens me that children are absorbed with their mobile phones and don't go to their terraces to fly kites anymore," he says. But Shah also maintains that for a positive attitude towards the activity, it is time for the manja to go. "This is our tradition, yes. But it used to be biodegradable, too." He advises a DIY approach:

Learn from the best

If you don't want an amateur-looking kite, Shahzaday Abbas of city-based Golden Kite Club advises considering readymade kits. "Waste material may not give you the desired aesthetic. We conduct kite-making workshops and have even organised them in Europe," he shares. The club specialises in two kinds of kites — Indian fighter kites made of tissue paper and bamboo sticks as well as non-fighter kites that comprise spinnaker, spotted on ship sails, and carbon rods.

Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates