Kite Shortage Hits Hyderabad Markets Ahead of Sankranti
In Hyderabad, the excitement among kite traders is noticeably absent as Sankranti approaches. This year, a shortage of kites has affected the markets, primarily due to reduced production of kite-making materials.
For many years, the harvest festival has supported seasonal livelihoods for craftsmen involved in making kites and manja (kite string). However, markets like Dhoolpet, Begum Bazar, Gulzar Houz, and Secunderabad are quieter than usual. The scarcity of essential materials like bamboo and plastic has impacted the production and supply of kites.
Traders have expressed their concerns about the situation. In areas like Dhoolpet and Mangalhat, where paper kites are traditionally made, fewer kites have been produced this year due to limited access to raw materials.
Suresh Yadav, a kite trader from Secunderabad, explained, “I couldn’t stock a good variety of kites because of the shortage of bamboo sticks, which are used for the kite frame, and plastic. Normally, we transport these materials from cities like Kanpur, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad.”
Despite the challenges, kites still bring color and vibrancy to the festival. “Even with the shortages, prices remain affordable. Plastic kites cost up to ₹5, while traditional paper kites range from ₹1 to ₹1,000, depending on the size. Manja prices vary between ₹150 and ₹1,200,” said Mohit Singh, another trader from Dhoolpet.
Mohit also noted that while they have received many orders this year, the limited stock may make it difficult to meet the demand. Traders are hopeful but concerned about the impact of the shortages on this year’s celebrations.
