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Cuttack: Since ages, kite flying has been a favourite pastime for the people of millennium city. The sky is dotted with colourful kites on the occasion of Makar Sankranti which is also celebrated with much pomp and grandeur across the State.
This year as well, the residents of the old city are gearing up to celebrate the festival with same enthusiasm while kite flying fever has already gripped the people.
Popular markets at Jholasahi, Choudhury bazaar, Nandi sahi and Pithapur are decked up with kites of varied colours, sizes and are being sold at a price ranging from Rs 3 to Rs 350.
While shopkeepers are optimistic to do a good business this year, people especially children are excited lot to fly the kites on Makar Sankranti.
However, use of plastic and nylon threads in flying of kites has once again raised apprehension in the minds of the local residents following several mishaps in the past couple of years.
After imposing a restriction on sale of ‘manja’ (glass dust coated thread) for flying kites, the administration has warned to curb the use of Chinese made plastic and nylon threads.
As many as four persons died in several mishaps due to use of such threads for flying kites since 2015 in the city.
“The threads that we are preparing are just like the ones used in our homes and are quite safe for flying kites, so there is no need to panic. Besides, we have also done away with the ‘manja’ and plastic threads," said Kartik Agarwal, a local businessman.
Local residents have also urged the administration to be more proactive to put a check on the illegal use of 'manja' by taking stern action against traders.
Additional District Magistrate of Cuttack, Harischandra Nayak said a team comprising officials of district administration and police officials will conduct raids to ensure that people stick to the guidelines set by the High Court while flying kites.
