The Rise of Chinese Manja During Sankranti in Hyderabad
As the Sankranti festival approaches, kite flying—a beloved tradition—has been overshadowed by the illegal sale of Chinese manja, also known as tangus manja. This glass-coated, synthetic thread is widely available in retail shops and kite markets across Hyderabad in areas like Charminar, Begum Bazaar, Hussainialam, Dhoolpet, and Mangalhat. Despite being banned, the demand for this hazardous thread surges during the kite-flying season, raising serious safety concerns.
Chinese manja has been linked to numerous accidents, causing severe injuries to both humans and birds. In spite of police crackdowns and arrests, the thread remains easily accessible. Authorities have intensified their efforts, arresting 61 individuals and seizing 6,261 bobbins of manja worth Rs 37 lakh. However, the problem persists.
A Dangerous Tradition
Kite flying during Sankranti has a history of over 400 years, but the use of Chinese manja has cast a shadow on the tradition. Made from nylon or synthetic materials and coated with glass and metal, this thread is dangerously sharp and poses a threat to both wildlife and people. Many individuals and organizations have called for stricter enforcement of the ban to protect the public and the environment.
Why People Still Choose Chinese Manja
One of the reasons for the continued popularity of Chinese manja is its affordability and durability. Traders and shopkeepers explain that customers prefer tangus manja over traditional cotton thread because it lasts longer and performs better in kite battles. A shopkeeper near Charminar, Vishal Das, remarked, “The rise in sales of Chinese manja directly impacts vendors like us who don’t sell it. Customers simply walk away to find it elsewhere.”
Although banned in 2016, Chinese manja is still being manufactured and sold, especially during the festival season. Kite sellers in Hussainialam have urged authorities to target its production. “If customers can’t find it in one shop, they’ll just go to another. This hurts our overall sales of kites and other festival items,” lamented the traders.
The Decline of Cotton Manja
Traditional cotton manja, known for its craftsmanship and safety, is slowly losing its appeal among kite enthusiasts. The handmade cotton thread is more expensive and less durable compared to Chinese manja. While some traditional kite flyers still prefer cotton threads, they are a shrinking group. A few parents buy cotton thread for their children to minimize the risk of injuries, but overall, demand has significantly decreased.
Cotton thread, once a hallmark of the festival, now faces stiff competition from synthetic alternatives. Traders note that traditional kite flyers continue to use specific types of cotton threads, but these are no longer the primary choice for most customers.
The Path Ahead
With the continued production and sale of Chinese manja, the safety concerns surrounding Sankranti are mounting. While law enforcement has made progress in seizing illegal threads and arresting those responsible, the root of the problem remains unaddressed. Authorities and communities must work together to preserve the rich tradition of kite flying while ensuring safety for all.
