Nagpur: Wednesday morning, January 14, saw Nagpur awaken to a riot of colour as kites rose in hundreds across the skyline, turning the city into a vast open-air battleground of skill and strategy. From terraces, balconies and open grounds, children and youngsters immersed themselves in the age-old tradition of kite-flying, their triumphant shouts of “O Kaat” and “O Paar” echoing through neighbourhoods as rival kites were sliced and sent drifting down.
Yet, beneath the festive fervour hovered a serious reminder. The recent High Court directive banning the use and sale of nylon manja cast a long shadow over the celebrations. Reiterating that “no fine is greater than human life,” the court has maintained a tough stance on the deadly string. While the penalty for users has been reduced to Rs 25,000 from Rs 50,000, the steep Rs 2.5 lakh fine on sellers remains unchanged, underlining the judiciary’s resolve to curb a menace that has claimed lives year after year.
On the ground, however, compliance appeared patchy. Despite the clear warning, nylon manja continued to be used discreetly at several places. Though a section of responsible citizens chose traditional cotton thread, a large number of kites soaring overhead were tied with the banned, razor-sharp string, exposing the limits of enforcement during the festive rush.
Gold Rate
13 Jan 2026
Makar Sankranti once again transformed rooftops into social spaces, with families and friends gathering to soak in the celebration. Spools of manja, colourful kites and friendly rivalries dominated the day, while on the streets below, children sprinted after falling kites, adding to the carnival-like atmosphere that gripped the city.
In the days leading up to the festival, Nagpur’s kite bazaars bustled with activity. Lanes such as Juni Shukrawari turned into vibrant marketplaces, with vendors displaying an array of kites in every imaginable colour and pattern. Accompanied by elders, youngsters eagerly picked their favourites, stocking up for what promised to be an action-packed day under the winter sun.
Amid the cheer, a worrying reality persisted. The continued circulation of banned nylon and glass-coated manja remains a grave concern, posing threats not just to kite-flyers but also to pedestrians, two-wheeler riders, birds and animals. Despite periodic raids, the illegal trade survives, often resurfacing during the festive season when demand peaks.
Each year, reports of severe injuries and fatalities caused by these lethal strings serve as a grim counterpoint to the joy of the festival. Birds entangled in manja and left injured or dead further underscore the environmental cost of irresponsible celebrations. The recurring incidents point to the urgent need for sustained and stricter enforcement rather than sporadic action.
Still, the spirit of Makar Sankranti in Nagpur remained undiminished. Open grounds rang with laughter, rooftops buzzed with excitement, and the skies stayed crowded with kites till sunset. As the festivities drew to a close, many hoped that in the years ahead, the city would find a way to preserve the thrill of kite-flying while ensuring safety, responsibility and respect for life—so that the festival remains a celebration, and not a cause for tragedy.
