Kite sales on a steady rise

Charminar: It is perhaps one of the most enjoyed festivals and one that transcends religious boundaries; Sankranti fever gripped people of the city already. Shops across the Old City began selling kites and other material for the festival, which is fast approaching. Shops in Ghansi Bazar, Purana Pul, Gulzar Houz, Mangalhat are selling kites and threads for the past two weeks now.

Interestingly, the sale of Sankranti material started much earlier this year in stores. Customers began planning their purchases and placing orders as early as December 15 what with their Christmas and New Year shopping. Although the Sankranti fever does not grip the youth until later, however, the sales are up for past few days.

Businessmen involved in selling of kites said that the sale has been steady and hope that it will enhance in the next few days. It is to be noted that Sankranti is one of the festivals that is observed/celebrated by all sections of society, especially in the Old City, irrespective of religious beliefs.

The festivities are normally on a high five days prior to Sankranti, which falls on January 15 in the coming year.

A kite seller in the area, Raghuram said that unlike every year this time no special names of kites were introduced. He said that sales were not so high, but increasing steadily over the past few days. He said, “Apart from kites and related Sankranti material, people prefer to buy decorative items for the celebrations. Streets and homes are decorated during the festival every year.”

Samad from Misri Gunj said that he was fond of kite flying and that his friends compete every year. He said that small level competitions are also held at their place during Sankranti.

Meanwhile, city police had put forth a few restrictions over kite flying the previous year. The directive had restricted flying kites over religious places in order to maintain order. This time, too it is expected that the department may issue a similar directive for the festival.