Rajeshwar Singh ‘Raju’
CHAL GAYEE AAA…
These words chanted in rhythm towards the sky convey the enthusiasm of youths flying kites. Every roof top has the groups of kids, youths and even aged ones enjoying flying kites, having competition and experiencing ecstasy on conquering each other.
If we step in to past, then the love for kites since early childhood proves that everyone wanted an expanse of colours at every moment in life. Colours have the magic and hold significant place in our lives whereas Life without them is gloomy. Now Kites serve us different colours and amuse us with their movements in the open sky thus presenting sprinkling view and painting the blue sky even more beautiful with colours scattered to such an extent that everyone seems full of exhilaration experiencing a special feel from within. Whenever a rainbow shows its existence after the rains, nobody misses the opportunity to have a glimpse of same. Just like the colors of the rainbow, kites also become the center of attraction not only for their colours but for many other reasons too. When a kite is cut from the thread by the other one, it finds itself nowhere in the sky and is at the mercy of air which decides its destination. The poets and littereateurs have penned down a lot on the relationship of kite that it shares with the thread and its fate thereafter when it detaches from it and loses connect. A severed kite falling towards the earth like a lawaaris article also explains many secrets of life to us. The creative persons are of the view that imagination is the highest kite one can fly. However while comparing the dreams with the fate of kite someone has well said, “Throw your dreams in to space like a kite and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.”
In world famous epic Ramcharitmanas, 16th century poet-saint Tulsi Dass writes, “Young Rama once flew a kite that soared so high that it got lodged in the heavens, the Indralok. Then Hanuman flew up to the heavens and retrieved it for him.” Now it’s not known whether Indians actually flew kites in prehistoric era over 2500 years ago or was it Tulsi Dass’s narrative based on 16th century experience? However by that time Mughal had started ruling India and kite flying was not only a popular hobby but also an entertainment for elite class. The Mughal emperors patronized this sport. As per another belief kites serve as thanksgiving symbols to Gods as they breach into the heavens above.
If we cast a look at the history then it is said that about 3000 years ago, kite was popularized, if not invented in China. The historians are of the opinion that the material required for making kites like silk fabric for sail material, high tensile strength silk for flying line and resilient bamboo for a string light weight frame work was readily available there. These kites were initially used for military tactics but later on these were utilized for religious and celebratory purposes also. Soon kite flying spread across Asia to Japan, Korea, Indonesia and India etc. Kites are believed to have come to India with Buddhist missionaries from the East through the Silk route.
Now 14th January is celebrated as Day of International Kite festival every year commemorating ending of winter season. It is also celebrated as Makar Sakranti all over India in one or the other form. Ancient Hindu astronomers observed that on this very day, Sun apparently moves from the constellation Sagittarius to the constellation Capricorn or Makara. Makar Sakranti means movement of Sun into Capricorn. It is believed that the sun begins its northward journey during Uttarayan bringing longer days and promises arrival of spring. Spring signifies colours and it is somewhat obvious that it is welcomed with colourful kites in many regions of India. In Gujarat Makar Sankrati celebrations and kite flying are closely connected as flying kites is thought to represent the summer arriving and winter ending. Gujaratis are well known for celebrating their festivals with all dedication and devotion. Here flying kites and competing with others like a sport is regarded as one of the biggest festivals.
If we talk of our Jammu region then Raksha Bandhan, a festival denoting strong bond between brother & sister and Janamashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishana are also known as festivals of kites here. The enthusiasm for kite flying was immense in the past. Although it is a fact that the tradition is diminishing these days for various reasons. With so many means of entertainment posing threats to cultural traditions, particularly mobile has given a set aback to traditions and kite flying is one among them. It is said quite often that mobile has snatched childhood of present generation, which is a grave concern. Quite a good number of Children and youths are not much inclined towards kite flying these days as was witnessed in the past.
I may recall that during my childhood kite flying was at its peak as it was one of the best entertainment for all of us. We lived at Malhotrian Street of old Jammu city and Kite flying experiences are still stored in never fading memories. It has been a very old tradition especially in the cities of Duggar Pradesh. Although kite flying culture was not popular in villages in the same fashion as was witnessed in cities those days where it was to the extent of madness. Kite flying started much before the festivals of Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami. Special preparations for celebrations started well in advance. I also used to make kites at home even before kites’ season and flew them with old remaining thread of last year. During the season everyone tried to make the best possible thread by making use of different techniques so as to dominate the sky with their kites. While buying kites, special attention was paid to the colors of the kites and their designs. Kite makers also tried to give the kites a latest look and made them fashion oriented. The shapes of kites were amazing with long, short or differently designed tails. The kites having figures of Moon, two eyes, ghosts, film stars were very popular and fascinated kite lovers. It was a competition that who will fly the first kite in the morning and many children passed restless night for same so as to wake up early in the morning and become the first person to fly first kite in their surroundings.
The enthusiasm of kite flyer was beyond imagination during those days as they got so engrossed in flying kites that they even forgot eating and drinking. The parents got annoyed with their children for their over obsession for kite flying. By the evening, the color of their eyes would turn red due to scorching heat and sunlight, but there were no signs of fatigue. Even after it got dark, they would keep flying kites and engage in the competition thus shouting “Chal Gayi Aaa” and enjoy their victory. Along with flying kites and Kites fighting competition, snatching the kites had its own fun. There would be a long bamboo stick on every roof top to pluck the severed kite. The passion for flying kites was so much that even parents used to accompany their wards or themselves flew kites. It appeared that entire city had come on their roof tops and enthusiasm was worth seeing. The sounds of songs would echo in the sky from the speakers fitted on the rooftops of the houses. The electrifying atmosphere all around added special attraction to this celebration. Ironically, the same is missing to a large extent these days.
Kite makers of Pacca Danga, which was once hub for kites and related articles, are concerned with the decline in the interest of youths towards kite flying. They say that in the past long before the festivals kids and youths used to fly kites that helped them to earn good fortunes during the season but for the last few years their business has suffered as even during the festivals sale is not encouraging. Many shopkeepers have left this business. The Chinese thread known as ‘Gattu’ has been banned as it has resulted in casualties. It is very dangerous and the innocent birds also become victim of this deadly Chinese thread. Festivals mean exchange of happy moments but the fatal incidents just kill the soul of festivals. As a law abiding citizens of India, we should not indulge in anti- law activities and buying or selling Chinese thread is illegal for its dire repercussions.
It is pertinent to add here that even today many youths and children are fond of flying kites and do exhibit their zeal during the festivals but the same old spark is missing these days. New generation seems pre and over occupied with their mobile sets and their inclination towards traditions shows no positive signs. They seem enjoying such celebrations of others through their mobile screens rather than becoming a part of it themselves. The youths seem less interested in Extra-curricular activities like culture and sports. Parents are in the habit of putting extra burden on their children for making future without realizing that connection to roots and own cultural traditions is equally important. Kite flying is our age old tradition and is an important part of our culture that promotes brotherhood and is instrumental in connecting the society. One may well imagine a special feel on finding entire neighborhood flying kites and conversing with each other like a family, whereas now-a-days even family members restrict themselves in the corners of their rooms and just stick to their respective mobile, an invention that has endangered the bonding within the families.
An interesting belief about kite is that it goes up in the sky and brings good luck. Let us aspire that more kites will flew in the sky to derive more fortunes with a realization for family bonding and connection with society. A fact remains that a Kite always rises highest when it goes against the wind thus inspiring us that if we wish to succeed in life then we will have to infuse fighting spirit within so as to stand against odds and emerge victorious from hostile circumstances even. It would also be appropriate to add here that the traditions associated with the festivals are integral part of our culture. If we follow these traditions, the feeling of being connected with our culture makes us happy. We can also take this as our contribution in preserving our cultural heritage. Let us celebrate the festivals of kites with true spirit and honest belongingness for our cultural existence.
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