Kites an expensive affair

Kukatpally:  With Sankranthi festival around the corner, one can hardly forget kites that add playful vibrancies to the season. The demand for kites has always been at its peak during this time of the year. However, this year, the number of people opting for the latest fancy kites has increased. 

Kids cherish their colourful kites and the Manja during the festival. "Earlier, children were given for more than a week of holidays for Sankranthi, now they hardly get two to three days," said the kite owners.

Enthusiasts say that in earlier times, markets used to be flooded with kites on each side of the road, complaining that the arrangement of stalls is not in full swing now. Hardly a few shops are open currently and hopes are high that more will open their shutters for the people from Friday. In areas like Serilingampally, KPHB Colony, Moosapet, Mothinagar, Old Bowenpally saw a few outlets open.

K Sushmita a kite shop owner said, “I and my husband make kites at home. When the season comes, we take a shop or stall near our residential area. The material has become expensive and the youth find the latest kites appealing. They are particular about the quality of the kites as well.”

S Sai Kumar, a customer who came to buy kites for the festival, said, “Now people are aware of the kind of Manja to use. Our entertainment should not kill the birds. I and other educated people use the Manja made with thread. I usually buy kites for Rs 500. Earlier, I used to get two dozens of kites before, the prices have gone up now. You won't get a kite for less than Rs 10."