‘May the wind be helpful’: Kite sales soar for Sankranti

Jaipur: A four-time hike in the prices of kites and manjha as compared to that in 2019 has not dampened the craze for kite flying in the city. A massive rush was seen in the markets, especially in the walled city areas, on Friday as people selected and bought kites and manjha on the eve of Makar Sakranti.
The markets of Handipura of Ramganj, Haldiyon Ka Raasta, Johari Bazaar and Kishanpole Bazaar saw sales throughout the day. The buyers’ enthusiasm signalled the end of fear of Covid.
“Since Makar Sakranti falls on Saturday and Sunday, people are buying kites in large numbers. The prices are higher this time. The kites we used to sell at Rs 60 for 20 pieces are now priced Rs 240 to Rs 260 for 20 pieces. A charkhi with 6,000 meters of manjha used to be priced at Rs 500 to Rs 600, now it is Rs 800 to Rs 1,200. But people are still buying,” said Ibrahim Hussain, a wholesaler of kites at Handipura.
“Ab to bas hawa achchi chale (Now only winds should be conducive),” said Vivek Agarwal, a buyer of kites at Kishanpole Bazaar. People also bought peanuts, gajak, til ke ladoo and feeni to munch while flying kites on the terrace on Saturday — and also on Sunday. TNN