In Gujarat, it’s common to see scooters and motorcycles fitted with wire loops, a life-saving innovation during Makar Sankranti. The festive kite-flying season often turns deadly as sharp kite strings, or manjha, pose a severe threat to riders. These strings can slice through throats, damaging windpipes and blood vessels, leading to fatal accidents.
Several lives are lost due to kite threads every year during makar Sankranti despite govt ban on such Chinese threads these are still available in the market. Many locals say it is difficult to put a stop to manjha’s use in India. They are available in underground markets across the country, in cities, small towns and even villages. One can also buy it online.
What is Chinese Manjha made of?
Traditionally, kite strings were made of cotton threads. But in recent years, Indian kite fighters have been using sharp nylon or synthetic strings coated with powdered glass called Chinese manjha. Manjha is preferred for its strength but is lethal for both humans and birds.
Banned in India
The Chinese Manjha has been banned in India since 2017, and anyone caught selling or using the killer string faces fines of up to 100,000 rupees and jail terms of up to five years. Beyond police raids targeting manjha sellers, the ban is rarely enforced.
It has been linked to thousands of bird injuries, causing deep cuts to their wings and necks. Despite the stiff penalties, usage remains widespread, especially by young people during kite-flying season and festivals.
Precautions for a Safe Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a time for joy and recreation, but careless kite-flying can harm birds, animals, and even humans. To ensure safety:
- Do not fly kites near the roads or the places where people walk.
- Use cotton or non-abrasive strings instead of glass-coated ones to minimize injuries.
- Wear gloves or finger caps to avoid hand cuts while flying kites.
- Avoid pulling the string forcefully to prevent sudden snapping and accidents.
- Store kite strings safely, out of reach of children and pets.
- Encourage kids to fly kites in open spaces to avoid crowded areas.
- Avoid metallic or abrasive strings, which increase the risk of electrocution.
- Refrain from kite-flying during strong winds, as strings may touch electrical wires.
- Supervise children while they fly kites to ensure they follow safety practices.
Celebrate the festival responsibly and spread joy without causing harm to others or the environment.
