Arts & Culture

Kai Po Che: A Guide to Kite Flying

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The tradition of flying a kite every year on 15th August not only honours the sacrifice of our ancestors but also celebrates the freedom that they fought for. This year, DU Beat brings to you a complete guide to flying a kite on Independence Day.

The tradition of kite flying, now viewed as a symbol of freedom and celebration of independence, started as a medium of protest against the British Raj ninety years ago. In 1927, the British government appointed a Commission under Sir John Simon to report on the working of the Indian constitution. Indian revolutionaries opposed this idea and kites, with the slogan of “Go back Simon”, were flown across the country as a mark of protest against the Commission.

Though the meaning of flying a kite has evolved over time, the conviction with which these beautiful hues cover the sky each year remains the same. DU Beat offers you a few hacks for kite flying:

Pick the Right Kite

Pick the right shape and style for your kite. Use a kite with a bold colour so that it is easy to spot in the sky. Red kites are easy to see and spot, especially when they crash. In terms of shape, the most common ones include diamond, delta, box, and dragon. Each shape will fly differently so give them all a try before you settle for one.

Fly in the Right Weather

The best winds for flying are between 5-25 MPH. Moderate winds will be perfect to fly a kite. Anything lighter would not be able to carry a kite. Strong winds make it very difficult to properly manoeuvre a kite. Never fly a kite during a thunderstorm.

Pick a Great Spot to Fly

A large and windy area free of trees and electric wires would be perfect. Do not fly a kite near power lines, telephone wires or high-rise apartment buildings.

Practice

To fly a kite, stand with your back to the wind, hold the kite in both your hands and toss it lightly until the wind catches it. Slowly unravel the string to let it climb. You will eventually get the hang of it, just remember to practice.

Where and what to buy?

Kite flying is very popular in Chandni Chowk, Daryaganj, Hudson Lines, Kingsway Camp, Kamla Nagar, Tilak Nagar, and other West Delhi areas. In such areas, you can get great varieties and deals on kites. Remember to only buy kites with cotton threads. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has issued a request not to use manjha for flying kites, because it is coated with crushed and powdered glass, which is dangerous not only for birds but also pedestrians and two-wheelers.

Where to Fly?

With people coming together from across Delhi, there are a few spots that are a delight to fly kites at. India Gate, Connaught Place, Nehru Park, and Lodhi Garden are the perfect places for kite-fliers and kite-lovers to be at on Independence Day.

 

Every time, a kite soars higher than the clouds or a child cries, “Kai Po Che”, there is freedom in the air and honour to the struggle made to acquire it.

 

Feature Image Credits:  Above Android

Muskan Sethi

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A 19 year old who believes in ice cream and purple skies, Muskan spends her days listening to Prateek Kuhad and The Lumineers on repeat while playing copious amounts of Chess. If you'd like to discuss conspiracy theories or share something that needs to be reported, do drop her a line at [email protected].

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