Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant celebrations, Indore came alive on Tuesday with the spirit of Makar Sankranti. Residents of all age groups flocked to rooftops, open fields, and community grounds to take part in the age-old tradition of kite flying. While the festival has been a long-standing tradition in Old Indore, this year, the excitement spread to new parts of the city, marking a significant shift in how Makar Sankranti is celebrated.
Vibrant Kite Flying Across Old and New Indore
Kite flying was the centre of celebrations, with both Old and New Indore turning into vibrant scenes of activity. Areas like Kachhi Mohalla, Jawahar Marg, Khajrana, Ranipura, Tejaji Nagar, Vijay Nagar, Patnaipura, and Malwa Mill saw huge crowds gathering at kite shops to pick up colourful kites, which ranged from affordable 10-rupee parachutes to elaborate 1,000-rupee kites. “It’s incredible to see so many people, of all ages, flying kites. It’s a tradition that brings the entire city together,” said Ramesh Mehta, a middle-aged resident of Vijay Nagar, who participated in a community kite flying event.
Youngsters gathered at Malwa Mill, excitedly competing for the highest-flying kite, while families enjoyed the day in areas like Tejaji Nagar and Patnaipura. “Since I was a kid, Makar Sankranti has always been about flying kites with my friends. Now, I bring my children, and it’s a great family tradition,” said Priya Desai, a mother of two from Ranipura. “My kids love the whole experience, from buying the kites to getting the manjha ready, and of course, trying to cut each other’s kites down!”
ANANDSHIVRE
Kite Shops Buzzing with Activity
The markets across the city were alive with the buzzing of activity as people rushed to buy kites and accessories. Kite shops in Kachhi Mohalla, Jawahar Marg, and Khajrana saw long queues as residents stocked up on their flying essentials. From simple paper kites to large, elaborate designs featuring Bollywood stars like Pushpa, these shops catered to all kinds of customers. “I have been coming here every year for the last 15 years,” said 75-year-old Balwan Singh, who was busy selecting a kite at Jawahar Marg. “In the past, we used to fly simple kites, but this year, I’ve bought a big kite with a design of Pushpa. It’s a big deal for me because the movie is so popular with my grandchildren.”
ANANDSHIVRE
Community and Societal Events: Uniting Indore
Makar Sankranti is not just about flying kites; it’s also about community bonding. Many local societies and organizations hosted special kite-flying events, where people came together to celebrate the festival in the true spirit of unity. These events ranged from competitive kite-flying tournaments to casual get-togethers, offering a space for everyone to join in the fun. “We wanted to make this festival memorable for everyone in the neighbourhood. We had an organised event at the ground, and it was amazing to see families, elders, and kids participating together,” shared Shweta Patel, a resident of Tejaji Nagar, who was one of the organisers of the local event.
Sweet Treats and Traditional Delights
Apart from kites, the streets of Indore were filled with the aroma of traditional sweets, especially the popular jaggery, sesame, and gajak. Shops selling these treats were packed with customers all day long. “Every year, I come to buy sesame and jaggery as it’s part of the tradition,” said 60-year-old Sunita Agarwal, who was at a local sweet shop in Ranipura.
Authorities Keep a Watchful Eye
While the celebrations were full of joy, local authorities remained cautious to ensure safety. The administration had banned the use of Chinese Manjha, a dangerous type of kite string that can cause injuries. Drones were deployed by the police to monitor and enforce the ban. Additionally, the Western Region Electricity Distribution Company issued a safety alert, urging kite flyers to stay away from power lines, transformers, and poles to avoid accidents. “We have seen cases where kites get entangled in power lines, which can disrupt the power system and cause accidents,” said Awdhesh Sharma, PRO officer.
Mayor Hosts Kite Festival
To further enhance the celebrations, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava hosted a grand Kite Festival at Nehru Stadium, where residents participated in both kite flying and traditional games. The event, which started at 11 am, attracted hundreds of people, including city council members and Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who was spotted enjoying the festivities.
