Are you one of those few who are not too affected by the colourful festival of kites? Well, take a look at these beautiful pictures from across India that perfectly portray why you should be on your terrace enjoying the festival this year.
Remember when a random kite flying over your home would make you run to the terrace in excitement? Or that sense of joy when you would get hold of a kite that had drifted into your reach. Or even better — the sense of victory at winning (finally!) win the kite-flying competition against your neighbour in a heart-pounding fight for the evening sky.
We are talking of course about the much-awaited kite-flying festival, which is already in its full swing.
Even if you’re one among those who never had the chance to hone your kite-flying skills, here are a few incredible photos that will take you to your rooftop right now!
Photo: Flickr
Photo: Flickr
Photo: Flickr
Photo: Flickr
Photo: Flickr
Photo: Flickr
Photo: Flickr
Photo: Uttarayan through the eyes of Sandeepa and Chetan
Photo: Flickr
Photo: Uttarayan through the eyes of Sandeepa and Chetan
Photo: Flickr
Photo: Flickr
Photo: Flickr
Photo: Flickr
We’d like to offer a a friendly reminder though, that kite-flying is not all fun and frolic — especially since over 5,000 birds get injured every year during the festival. A Jaipur-based NGO, Raksha, along with CAF India and the Wildlife Trust of India, helps injured birds and is trying to spread awareness this season.
They have issued some guidelines to make this festival more bird-friendly.
- Since the skies are most crowded with birds between 6–8 AM and 5–7 PM, the team recommends not flying kites at these times.
- Don’t use Chinese manjha and instead use plain white thread to fly kites. The manjha is deadly to hundred of birds every year. It occasionally even injures humans.
- Dispose of unused manjha safely in covered waste bins. Many birds and animals hurt themselves when they get trapped in manjha that is improperly disposed .
- Do not ignore birds that are injured. Do your bit, call an animal shelter or another local helpline number to get the bird the help it needs. If you are in Jaipur, you can call Raksha at its 24×7 helpline: +91 9828500065
Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia).