The markets of Gulabi Nagri are set for Makar Sankranti, with kite enthusiasts fully prepared for kite battles. Kite sales have commenced in the markets, featuring a new experiment this year with fabric kites flying in the sky. These kites are priced at around Rs 300 and are not only crafted by artisans in Jaipur but also come from Bareilly and Rampur.
In the capital, colourful kites start adorning the sky about 15 days before Makar Sankranti. Marketplaces witness increased footfall as buyers prepare for the festival. Major kite markets are in Parakote, Haldiyo Ka Rasta, and Handipura, where sales continue until late at night. Both wholesale and retail transactions for kites are happening, and last year, Gulabi Nagri saw a kite and string business of approximately Rs 15 crore, contributing to the overall figure of Rs 25 crore in Rajasthan. Expectations are high for even better business this year.
Kite prices begin at Rs 2, and numerous stores across the city offer a variety of kites. However, the S.H. Kite Center in Ramganj stands out, running for seven generations since 1902. It has been a popular choice for buyers, selling kites from Kanpur, Ahmedabad, and Agra, with the cheapest kite priced at Rs 2 and others going up to Rs 300.
When it comes to manjha (kite string), there are nearly 50 varieties available. The demand is high for strong and sharp manjha that easily cut kites. The Manjha market in the Eidgah area on Delhi Bypass in the city produces manjha known for its sharpness. Kite enthusiasts gauge the quality of the manjha by examining the thickness and material of the string. Various coloured manjhas are available in the market.
Despite a slowdown since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago, kite sellers express optimism this year as they witness a rebound in sales. They share that, although the business has not fully recovered to its pre-pandemic level, they are happy to see good sales this Makar Sankranti. The sellers express a deep connection to the trade, passed down through generations, and while thoughts of changing professions may cross their minds at times, the love for the business keeps them rooted in the tradition they have observed since childhood through their fathers and grandfathers.
