NEW DELHI: What should be a splash of colour across India’s skies is increasingly casting a dark shadow on the ground below. Kite flying — a cherished tradition during Makar Sankranti and Independence Day brings families to rooftops in celebration. Yet behind the bright paper kites and festive cheers lies a growing threat: Chinese manjha, a sharp synthetic string linked to serious injuries and deaths across several states.
What is Chinese manjha?Traditional Indian manjha is usually made of cotton thread coated with powdered glass to make it stronger for kite duels. Although it can cause minor cuts, it is biodegradable and considered less harmful.
Chinese manjha is very different. Made from synthetic nylon or plastic fibre and coated with glass or metallic powder, it is far sharper and much more durable. Unlike cotton thread, it does not easily break down. It can remain stretched across roads, trees and electric poles long after festivals are over.This makes it especially dangerous for motorcyclists and scooter riders. The thin string is often almost invisible. When riders come into contact with it at speed, it can wrap tightly around the neck or face, causing deep wounds and, in some cases, fatal throat injuries.Series of incidents reportedSeveral cases reported by The Times of India highlight the seriousness of the problem.15 dead in kite-flying mishaps across GujaratAt least 15 people were killed and hundreds injured across Gujarat during Makar Sankranti (Uttarayan) on 13 January 2026, with most incidents linked to sharp kite strings or falls from terraces.
Six deaths were reported in Saurashtra-Kutch, six in central Gujarat, and one each in Ahmedabad, Bharuch and Aravalli. The youngest victim was a 10-month-old girl in Gandhidham, who died after her father fell when a fragile terrace sheet gave way.The EMRI 108 ambulance service recorded 4,948 emergencies on 14 January — about 30% higher than usual — with Ahmedabad reporting the highest number of cases.Police also registered a case in Jamnagar after a 14-year-old boy was electrocuted by an illegally installed fence while trying to retrieve a kite. Fatal incidents were also reported in Vadodara and Rajkot.Over 600 birds injured in Maharashtra during kite festival; flyover stunt sparks safety fears
More than 600 birds — including owls, crows, pigeons, kites and parrots — have been injured since 14 January 2026 during kite-flying festivities, with activists blaming banned Chinese manjha and sharp glass-coated threads. The worst-hit areas were Dahisar, Borivli, Kandivli and Malad, where 330 injured birds were reported. Rescue groups said many birds were left entangled in strings hanging from trees and buildings.At a temporary bird rescue centre in Masjid Bunder, several large birds of prey were also treated. Wildlife volunteers said banned nylon and glass manjha continues to be used despite restrictions imposed by the National Green Tribunal.Meanwhile, children were seen flying kites from the newly opened Shrikant Jichkar flyover near Futala Square, causing sharp strings to fall onto the busy road below. Motorists were forced to slow down to avoid injury, prompting officials to call it a serious safety lapse. Authorities said security guards would be deployed to prevent a repeat.Stray kite thread causes injuries in LucknowIn Lucknow, multiple injuries were reported within just a few days. In one widely noted case, a young woman riding a scooter suffered deep cuts to her forehead and ear after hitting a stray thread stretched across a road. Police admitted that despite regular raids and awareness drives, illegal sales continue. Traders are known to hide banned stock and sell it secretly during peak festival demand.
In response, Lucknow’s West Zone Commissionerate held meetings with kite sellers and enthusiasts under the slogan “Shauq ke badle shok nahin”, urging people not to turn a hobby into grief.Child killed in JaipurIn Jaipur, six-year-old Dheer Sanganeria died during Makar Sankranti celebrations after Chinese manjha slit his throat while he was looking out of a car sunroof. He was taken to hospital but was declared dead on arrival.Migrant worker killed in TelanganaIn Sangareddy district, Telangana, 38-year-old Avadhesh Kumar, a migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh, was killed when Chinese manjha hanging across a road cut his throat as he rode his motorcycle to a market. Doctors at a government hospital declared him dead on arrival.Young girl dies in KukatpallyIn another tragic case in Telangana, four-and-a-half-year-old Nishvikaditya died after the string became entangled around her neck while she was travelling with her parents on a two-wheeler in Kukatpally. Despite being rushed to hospital, she later succumbed to her injuries.Father dies in KarnatakaIn Bidar district in Karnataka, 48-year-old Sanjiva Kumar lost his life after Chinese manjha sliced his neck while he was riding his motorcycle to bring his daughter home for Sankranti celebrations.Widespread injuries
Alongside these deaths, more than 150 injuries were reported in Jaipur alone. Several bikers, a police constable and children across Telangana and other states suffered serious neck and facial wounds. Many birds were also injured or killed after becoming trapped in the abrasive string.These incidents show that the danger remains despite repeated enforcement drives and public warnings.Government’s zero-tolerance approachThe Uttar Pradesh government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards Chinese manjha. Police have been instructed to intensify raids, seize illegal stock and prosecute offenders.
Photo credit: AI
Under environmental and safety regulations, the manufacture, sale, storage and transport of synthetic manjha are banned. Those found responsible can face fines, imprisonment and additional charges if injuries or deaths occur. Officials have stressed that such deaths may be treated as cases of criminal negligence.However, enforcement remains difficult. The string is often smuggled across state borders or sold online under misleading names. Monitoring every small retailer becomes even more challenging during the festive season.The human cost
Behind each headline lies a personal tragedy. Victims include students, daily wage earners, delivery workers and commuters — ordinary people caught unaware. Two-wheeler riders are particularly vulnerable, as the string often hangs at neck height across busy roads.Doctors report injuries including:
- Deep neck cuts requiring stitches
- Facial wounds that may leave permanent scars
- Severe blood loss
- Nerve damage
Fatal throat injuries in extreme casesHospitals commonly see a spike in such cases around Makar Sankranti and Independence Day.Birds are also heavily affected. Many become entangled in mid-air, suffering broken wings or death. Because Chinese manjha is non-biodegradable, it can remain in the environment for months, continuing to pose risks.Why does it remain popular?
Despite the ban, Chinese manjha continues to be used for several reasons. Kite flyers value its strength and cutting ability during competitions. It is durable and does not snap easily. Smuggled stock can be cheaper in bulk, and some buyers are unaware that it is banned or underestimate the risks.Yet what gives an advantage in the sky can become a deadly hazard on the road.Legal and environmental concernsThe ban is based on public safety and environmental protection. The National Green Tribunal has prohibited nylon and synthetic manjha because of the harm caused to humans and wildlife.States including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat have issued strict orders enforcing the ban.Chinese manjha creates several environmental problems. It does not decompose, can cause electrocution when tangled in power lines, injures birds and animals, and adds to waste management issues. The damage is therefore both immediate and long-term.Police action and public awarenessPolice have stepped up inspections in markets, especially before major festivals. Illegal stock is seized and cases are registered against traders. In Lucknow, officers have met shopkeepers to encourage compliance rather than relying only on punishment.Still, black-market sales persist, and online platforms make tracking sellers harder. Authorities are urging the public to report shops selling banned manjha.Awareness campaigns promote the use of cotton thread, educate schoolchildren about risks, encourage riders to wear helmets with neck protection, and advise the removal of stray thread from roads and trees.Preventive steps
Experts advise simple safety measures:
- Use only cotton or biodegradable thread.
- Avoid flying kites near busy roads.
- Wear helmets and full-face protection on two-wheelers.
- Install protective guards on motorcycles during festivals.
- Safely remove visible stray thread.
- Supervise children while flying kites.
- Such steps can significantly reduce injuries.
- Preserving tradition safely
Kite flying remains a symbol of celebration, freedom and community spirit in India. The aim is not to end the tradition, but to make it safer.Using eco-friendly thread does not reduce the enjoyment of the festival. Instead, it ensures that celebrations do not end in tragedy.The way forwardExperts say tackling the issue requires stronger border checks, monitoring of online marketplaces, strict penalties for repeat offenders, and community awareness programmes. Cooperation with environmental groups and the use of protective gear may also help.Ultimately, lasting change will come when demand for banned manjha declines.ConclusionChinese manjha has turned a joyful tradition into a recurring public safety crisis. Despite bans and strict policies, injuries and deaths continue because of illegal sales and lack of awareness.Responsibility lies with both authorities and citizens. By choosing safer alternatives, reporting violations and spreading awareness, lives can be saved.Festivals should bring happiness, not heartbreak. Celebration must never come at the cost of human life.
