The beginning of longer days and cerulean sky marks the passing of the winter solstice. With this also comes one of the most awaited festivals, Makar Sankranti.
It is celebrated differently in various cultures, but the common practice on the day of Makar Sankranti is flying colourful kites, which fill the sky with a virtual cottage industry of artificial birds to an extent that we forget about the scuffle the real birds have to go through.
Sankranti is an auspicious festival of joy, but for the original residents of the sky, it is a death trap. These creatures, clueless of the threads of kites, lead to the deathbed, their bodies tangled and their feathers, which can never take a leap again.
Around 150 birds are killed, and more than 1500 birds are injured every year during this one-day festival . This festival holds great significance for Indian culture, but it can be equally pleasing and gratifying with some consideration towards the birds.
Every year, as the winter sun begins to mellow and a gentle breeze stirs the air, the skies of India, especially in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, transform into an awe-inspiring mosaic of colour, celebration, and cultural pride during the grand Kite Festival. Known by different names, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and Lohri in Punjab, this festival isn’t just about flying kites, but about lifting the spirit high into the sky along with the soaring paper birds. From the early hours of the morning, rooftops echo with the enthusiastic cries of children, elders, and families shouting “Kai Po Che!” as they cut their rival kites and celebrate small victories with joyous dances, music, and homemade sweets. The air smells of sesame and jaggery, as tilgul laddoos and chikkis are exchanged with the heartfelt phrase, "Tilgul ghya, goad goad bola" (Take these sweets and speak kindly), reminding everyone of the importance of forgiveness and renewal. The preparations begin days in advance, kite markets burst into life with stalls selling everything from traditional handmade kites to glossy, modern variants adorned with superheroes, slogans, and glittering tails. Skilled artisans craft kites from bamboo sticks and paper, while local experts prepare manja—the special thread coated with powdered glass, used to cut opponents’ kites in midair duels. The sky becomes a battlefield of beauty, where every tug and release of the string is a test of skill, timing, and anticipation. Yet beyond the competition lies a deeper meaning—one of connection, community, and celebration of nature's cycle. As the sun transitions into its northward journey, the day marks a cosmic balance, symbolising new beginnings and the harvesting season. In villages, farmers rejoice in gratitude for their crops; in cities, friends gather on terraces with music systems blasting folk and Bollywood tunes, snacks like farsan, chakli, and steaming cups of masala chai passed from hand to hand. Foreign tourists also join in, mesmerised by the kaleidoscope above and the unity on the ground. Special night kites, illuminated with tiny lights or candles, are released after sunset, turning the sky into a galaxy of moving stars, evoking gasps and applause from awed spectators. The festival is also an artist’s dream—photographers capturing silhouetted children leaping to catch falling kites, painters reimagining the skies, and writers penning stories of old friends reunited by the tug of a string. Schools and local clubs host kite-making competitions, teaching children the science behind lifting and drag while nurturing creativity and teamwork. Environmental groups promote the use of eco-friendly materials, raising awareness about birds and wildlife safety. The Kite Festival, though traditional, evolves every year, absorbing modernity while still holding tight to its roots. It is one of those rare moments where technology takes a backseat and human joy takes flight. As kites rise, dip, tangle, and soar again, so do people’s hearts race with childhood memories, family bonds, and the simple pleasure of looking up at a sky full of dreams. It’s not just a festival, it's a feeling. A reminder that even a small frame of bamboo and paper can defy gravity, and that no matter how many times the string breaks or the kite falls, the sky is always waiting for you to try again.
As this is a pure and simple festival, it also comes with some harsh consequences along with it for the little creatures. We should celebrate the festival with full joy, but we should also be careful while enjoying this beautiful day. We should also take care by spreading awareness, making people know the adverse effects of their actions, followed by little steps like using cotton strings, which could cause less harm and flying kites at a time when the birds are less active.
These little changes will go ahead and shape the mindset of our future, and allow the Birds to have a flight of freedom . Similarly, we don't have any right to snatch their right to live their lives for just a one-day festival or for some time fun, and society must think about this topic, and a revolution can be made on this serious issue. Defending their existence is going to give wings to ours. Following it as a tradition, we should equally enjoy with precautions and spread love towards each and every one out there for this auspicious day.