Hyderabad: Markets flooded with colourful kites ahead of Makar Sankranti

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], Jan 8 (ANI): With Makar Sankranti around the corner, all streets of the Old City of Hyderabad have been beautifully decorated, while bright kites are flooding markets ahead of the harvest festival.
After the ban of China-made Manja in the country, traders have now started selling thread Manjas which are not harmful to birds. While traders are elated that sales have begun a couple of days earlier than last year, they are not quite happy with the demand currently and hope for things to get better in the coming days.
"I have been selling kites from last 16 years in the old city. We sell many different types of Fancy kites. We make kites with faces of politicians, and other celebrities to attract customers. We are benefited by the ban of China Manja in the country. We only sell the thread Manja which is made by us. Rates are reasonable in comparison to last year. We are hoping for a better business in the coming days." Mohammad Jhakir, a trader, told ANI.
Another trader named Mirza Shahid said, "I have been doing kite business for 10 years now. After the ban of China Manja, we have surely benefited. The sales are better this year. Rates are also less this year because of less GST and no demonetisation."
Shashank, a customer, said the rates of kites have reduced significantly this year. "I enjoy flying kites, I have been flying kites for the last 10 years now, the rates of the kites are reduced a lot this year. There are many varieties of kites available in the market. Every year I enjoy flying kites with my family members."
Sankranti is the day dedicated to Lord Surya and is celebrated by devotees taking a holy dip in River Ganges. As per the Hindu calendar, this day is also celebrated as the festival of harvest. The calendar reads Makar Sankranti to mark the beginning of the auspicious year.
From surviving the cold winters to moving towards the livelier season of spring, Sankranti is celebrated in various parts of India. In Punjab, a bonfire is lit with people singing and dancing around it. From wearing new clothes to celebrating it all night, the festival not only marks the beginning of an auspicious year but also brings the family together. (ANI)