Kite-shaped gifts flying off shelves

Charminar: Sankranthi, the festival of kites, is adopting new traditions, slowly transforming the way it is being celebrated. Revelers are gifting souvenirs amongst friends or relatives.

Some kite sellers who traditionally sold kites and related material are seen stockpiling more number of these souvenirs in the shape of kite or charki (spool). Those who can afford are not hesitating to buy gold coated, silver. For price-conscious customers, there are souvenirs made of German Silver, which cost less.

Even as kite-flying is slowly getting subdued over the years. During Sankranti festival the sky would be filled with colourful kites and even during night the sky appeared to be glittering with the lamp kites. In contrast, gifting souvenirs in the shape of kite, and charki of various metals is on the rise.

"These souvenirs have been in more demand for last two years," said B Das, owner of a 75-year-old wholesale shop near Charminar. The price of the gold coated gift pack ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 500 per piece. Gifts made of silver are going for Rs 850 apiece. German silver articles range from Rs 150 to Rs 300. Other metal objects command less premium, Das added.

Apart from kite-shaped gift packs, charki of silver, Rosewood (Sheesham) and other woodworks (meenakari) remain in high demand. A silver charki costs up to Rs 2,100, that of sheesham wood costs Rs 3,000 and Meenakari woodwork Rs 4,500 per piece. These are much sought after, especially by Gujarati and Marwadi communities.

Chinese cloth kite is also in high demand during Sankranthi festivities. These cloth kites are imported from China which price ranges from Rs 20 to Rs 2,000, depending on the size.

These kites are flown in open grounds where the air pressure is high and also during the kite festivals. A normal paper kite rates start from Rs 2 go up to Rs 30, while plastic kite price starts at Rs 5 to Rs 120.