A man died after getting caught in the kite string (Chinese manjha) as he was flying a kite while riding a bike on the road on the occasion of Makar Sankranti in Bidar.
One person suffered a cut to his throat while another sustained injuries on his face in separate incidents, highlighting continued safety risks despite police advisories and an ongoing drive against the use of banned Chinese manja.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad along with his family and offered prayers on the occasion of Uttarayan. After the temple visit, Shah marked the harvest festival by participating in traditional kite flying.
On the joyous and festive occasion of Uttarayan, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Kite Festival 2026, organized by the Sahay Foundation at Central Vista in Gandhinagar.
Speaking to ANI, Gujarat CM Said, "I extend greetings to everyone on Makar Sankranti. On this Kite Festival, may the soaring kites in the skies bring success to everyone."
He said participants from nearly 40 countries and about 25 Indian states are part of the event. Speaking to the media, the minister said international participants have brought unique varieties of kites, while several Indian states are showcasing their own traditional styles.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, accompanied by Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia, on Tuesday visited the Wildlife Care Centre in Ahmedabad's Bodakdev area, which is functioning under the statewide Karuna Abhiyan initiative aimed at preventing injuries to birds caused
Gujarat Titans marked a lively start to their International Kite Festival activation during the Uttarayan celebrations, with fans turning up in numbers at the franchise's fan engagement zone in Ahmedabad, according to a release.
"If a person dies or suffers serious injury due to Chinese kite string, the culprits will face strict action under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sahita (BNS) 2023 (Causing death by negligence), which includes provisions for up to five years of imprisonment and a fine," Collector V
Congress MLA Danam Nagender on Tuesday appealed to people to refrain from using China manja, citing serious safety concerns amid the ongoing Makar Sankranti celebrations.