His nephew, Ashfaque, explains that making a kite requires space, the attention of as many as 10 karigars for each piece, and the assemblage of raw materials from different corners of the country. This renders the making of kites unsustainable in Mumbai, and so they currently source their vast variety of kites and manjhas from Punjab, Jaipur and Bareilly. “The four or five months leading up to Makar Sankranti is when the sales are the highest,” reveals Nasim. During the rest of the year, they cater to wholesale orders, kite festivals in other parts of India, apart from the handful of orders from their dwindling young clientele.

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Nasim and Ahmed Kazi show off a decorative kite

Citing the example of his own kids, Ashfaque points out how children are increasingly losing interest in flying kites. There was a time when parents would have to drag kids home from the playground. Now, they are busy trying to push children outdoors, away from phone screens. “Legend has it that kite-flying was started when there was no treatment for heart ailments. A hakim was once treating a patient who complained of restlessness in his heart. The hakim recommended him to fly kites — it helps with hand-eye coordination; it keeps you engaged and refreshes your mind,” Ashfaque regales us. The trio are worried if the next generation will take over the mantle. “Our ancestors started this business out of their shauk [passion]. We do not want to give it up; kites are our identity,” he signs off.

At: Lucky Bharat Kite, MRS Road, Bandra West
Call: 9892187373

Fly high

The Guide’s top picks (priced between Rs 10 and Rs 300) that are perfect for the festive season:

Kite with Punjabi design

Kite with Jaipuri design