With Makar Sankranti falling on Friday, we bring you some of the top trending kites and manjhas (kite strings) of this season.
One can buy kites featuring images of PM Narendra Modi, and fictional characters such as Bahubali, Doremon, Angry Birds, Batman, Spider-Man, as well as Chinese kites from Lal Kuan and Azad Market in Chandni Chowk. “Modi kites came from Ahmedabad, but due to high demands, we are left with limited stocks. We have ordered for more and expect them to reach on time. Each piece is priced anywhere between Rs 1 and Rs 25, covering all sizes,” says Himanshu Gupta, a shopkeeper in Chandni Chowk.
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Gupta, who belongs to a third generation of kite sellers, says that he has observed a change in the sale of kites over the years. “In recent years, the trend of kite manufacturing has changed. The demand of designer and Chinese kites has increased due to which we face the challenge to come up with a new design every year,” adds Gupta.
As for manjha, you’ll be surprised to know that the plastic kite string, which has been banned in other parts of India, is readily available in Chandni Chowk. “Several people ask for plastic string. It is banned in other states, but no such orders have been passed in Delhi,” says Mohd Rahil Qureshi, a shopkeeper.
{{/usCountry}}As for manjha, you’ll be surprised to know that the plastic kite string, which has been banned in other parts of India, is readily available in Chandni Chowk. “Several people ask for plastic string. It is banned in other states, but no such orders have been passed in Delhi,” says Mohd Rahil Qureshi, a shopkeeper.
{{/usCountry}}Read: Recipes for Makar Sankranti
This year, you can also a buy ‘lightning’ charkhi which runs on battery and can be charged by an adapter. Staring from Rs 600, it glows in the dark.
People also come from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh to the Capital to purchase kites. “Delhi offers both quality and variety. The price range is also affordable and that is the reason we come here every year to shop for Uttarayan,” says Ajay Singh, a customer from Rajasthan.
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