The kite runners

And if there are kites involved then the number of people making them too receive a huge influx of orders during this time of the year. Like every year,this year too the spirit of the people have not dampened and they are more than eager to shop for the kites. One such shop in Raviwar Peth,Siraj Kites Depot has been selling kites since the last two generations throughout the year but has more business the days prior to Sankrant and on that day says its owner Siraj Tamboli,“This year too the business is high and we expect more in the first week of January. More kites are demanded in places like Phaltan and Baramati.”

This year fancy kites have been imported from places like Delhi,Ahmedabad and Mumbai to keep up with the demand during Sankrant. Echoing a different sentiment is Akbar Memon of the Royal Kites Depot,Raviwar Peth,that has been in the business since the last 70 years. He says that they have not experienced any significant changes in this trade and instead views an increasing demand for kites irrespective of the ages that come to the shop.

He adds,“The festival of Sankrant has a lot of demand for kites that leads to selling around five lakh kites in this time. During this period we supply to many companies and societies.”

This year has seen him taking a new initiative wherein he is teaching the art of Kite-making to the children of Mercedes-Benz International School. Paper kites are still preferred over the fancy ones. it shows that people are still attracted towards the traditional ones.

Speaking in a different tone,New Lucky Kite Centre,Raviwar Peth,owner Ismail Poonawalla says,“In recent years the advent of cricket has reduced the demand in purchase of kites. Nevertheless we try to experiment by introducing cartoons for children in these changing times.” A common thread is that the festival is popular across all age groups and is not restricted to children. And so as Sankrant comes closer it aims to usher in the familiar colours of the kites along with it.