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Historical kites displayed at Lucknow Mahotsav
hough lesser-known, it is a fact that kites played a significant role during the country’s freedom movement. In 1928, when Simon was holding a meeting at the Qaiserbagh Baradari, freedom fighters flew kites with ‘Simon, Go Back’ written on them to protest against the British rule.
Though lesser-known, it is a fact that kites played a significant role during the country’s freedom movement. In 1928, when Simon was holding a meeting at the Qaiserbagh Baradari, freedom fighters flew kites with ‘Simon, Go Back’ written on them to protest against the British rule.
Though kites bearing that slogan have not been preserved, some other kites of the same era were up for display for the Lucknowites at the kite festival organised under the aegis of Lucknow Mahotsav here on Tuesday.
Kites made of German paper during the 1920s are a unique collection now. The most unique among them was the oldest tangling kite owned by Suresh Chandra.
“The kite has been recognised by the Limca Book of Records as the oldest tangling kite. It is 118 years old and made in brown paper,” said Chandra, president of the kite contest organization.
Among the other unique kites put on display were circular kites. Circular kites are very rare as it is hard to maintain their balance in the air. The circular kites are supported by ten sticks and hangings.
Salman of the Salman Kite Center who displayed the collection at the festival said, “It is through the hangings that the circular kites are balanced. They are rare and hard to make.”
Some colourful kites depicting scenes from mythology were also displayed by the artists of Jodhpur at the event. A kite flying contest was also organised in which over 90 people took part.
