As Makar Sankranti celebrations peak across India, unsafe kite-flying practices raise serious safety concerns nationwide
India celebrates Makar Sankranti on 14 January 2026, marking the Sun’s movement into Capricorn. The festival brings joy through kite flying, harvest rituals, and traditional sweets. But the widespread use of manja, or glass-coated kite strings, still poses a significant risk.
Many people continue to use these hazardous strings despite several prohibitions and awareness campaigns, turning a happy celebration into a public and wildlife safety hazard.
Why Glass-Coated Kite Strings Are Dangerous
People use glass-coated and synthetic kite strings to cut other kites during competitions. Manufacturers coat these strings with powdered glass and metal, making them razor-sharp.
Because these strings are hard to see, they often cause deep cuts to the neck, face, eyes, and hands. Loose strings hanging across roads, buildings, trees, and power lines create major risks. Two-wheeler riders and pedestrians face the highest danger.
Birds Remain the Worst Affected Victims
Birds suffer the most during the kite-flying season. Every year, wildlife rescue organizations save and care for thousands of wounded birds.
Also Read: Gujarat Giants vs. Mumbai Indians: WPL 2026 Match Preview, Key Players, and Points Table
In Ahmedabad, rescue teams reported 736 injured birds in just nine days of kite flying in early 2026. Pigeons, crows, black kites, and migratory birds frequently get trapped in dangling strings. While attempting to flee, many birds sustain severe bleeding, broken wings, or even die.
Bans Exist, Yet Illegal Use Continues
Although Chinese and glass-coated manjha are prohibited in a number of states, illegal use persists due to poor enforcement.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court issued a severe warning, indicating that culpable murder charges could result from deaths caused by prohibited kite strings. The court further stated that if minors utilize such strings, parents could be held accountable.
Cities like Cuttack continue to report easy access to and widespread use of prohibited manjha despite these warnings.
Recent Accidents Show How Serious the Risk Is
Recent events make it abundantly evident that glass-coated kite strings are dangerous:
In Bhubaneswar, a man’s neck was severely cut by a sharp kite string while riding a scooter.
A motorcyclist in Indore reportedly died after a banned Chinese manjha slashed his throat.
This tragic incident shows that dangerous kite strings do not just harm kite flyers but also put everyday road users at serious risk.
Authorities Tighten Safety Measures on Makar Sankranti 2026
Before the festival, authorities in several states increased safety efforts:
- Police raided markets and seized banned kite strings worth lakhs of rupees, especially in Gujarat and Odisha.
- Local administrations started awareness drives to warn people about the dangers.
- Courts issued strict orders to ensure officials enforce existing bans properly.
- Cities such as Pune focused on educating residents about safe kite flying and bird protection.
NGOs and Citizens Step In to Reduce Harm
- Volunteers and animal welfare organizations played essential role to the festival:
- During peak kite flying days, bird rescue teams run helplines and treatment centers.
- NGOs encourage people to use traditional cotton or eco-friendly threads.
- Citizens help by reporting illegal sellers and assisting injured birds whenever possible.
How to Celebrate Makar Sankranti
Authorities and wildlife groups urge people to follow these safety steps:
- Avoid glass-coated and synthetic kite strings completely.
- Fly kites away from roads, power lines, and bird nesting areas.
- Collect and safely dispose of used kite strings after flying.
- Report illegal sale or use of banned manjha to the police.
Protecting the True Meaning of the Festival
Kite flying remains a cherished part of Makar Sankranti 2026, celebrated on 14 January, but unsafe practices have turned it into a serious public safety issue.
By working together, authorities, courts, NGOs, and citizens can reduce harm. Responsible celebrations and strict enforcement of bans will help protect human lives, birds, and the true spirit of the festival.
FAQs
Glass-coated kite strings are banned because their sharp coating causes serious injuries and even deaths to people and birds.
Two-wheeler riders, pedestrians, children, and birds face the greatest danger, especially on busy roads.
Courts have cautioned that deaths brought on by prohibited manjha could result in accusations of culpable homicide, and if kids are involved, parents could be held accountable.
To ensure that wounded birds receive prompt care, people can report them, assist local NGOs, and call bird rescue hotlines.
Eco-friendly kite strings or conventional cotton threads offer a secure substitute that doesn’t endanger humans or wildlife.
