The simple pleasure of flying a kite captivates our hearts and minds, creating memories that last a lifetime. Kite flying reminds me of my childhood, and the kites kept me grounded in Bangalore. 😊
As a child, kite flying was a festival where children of all ages gathered in the large courtyard outside my house. Everyone would bring their kites, and we’d help each other fly them. The thrill of seeing the kite fly high was a shared joy. We’d compare our kites, admire each other’s designs, and engage in friendly competitions to see whose kite could fly the highest. These moments created strong bonds and memories that remain vivid to this day.
Sometimes, the wind wasn’t suitable, and we’d wait for it to improve. In the meantime, we’d get the other kites ready. The taller girls/boys would run ahead and help to flag off the kite. The shorter ones would roll the kite off. The quarrels were always over who would handle the thread roll to keep the kite flying high.
Sometimes, the kite would break as soon as the wind hit it. Then we’d fix it with a piece of newspaper and gum. At times, the kite would get caught in the branches of the trees or even on the electricity wires. We’d have to arrange for a new kite. When the number of participants increased, we would fly kites from the terrace and eventually try our luck on the open field nearby. Open fields were dicey because the winds would be harsh, and the kites tore quickly. The cutting of kites, the threads tearing into the tender skin of our little hands, the quarrels, and the competitive spirit were so much fun. The flying kites infused an exhilarating sense of freedom.
Soaring kites against the sky have become an iconic symbol of the Makar Sankranti festival. Eight years ago, amidst festivities, the kite flew back into my life adding joy. I wanted to join the Rotary Bangalore Lakeside (RBL) club. They asked me to participate in their Kite Flying event to get familiar with the club’s services. I reached the ground early in the morning, helped them set up the tables for the events, and later took charge of packing the kites as per the deals for the day. I got it rolling smoothly. I experienced flying kites again with newer and better-quality kites and eco-friendly threads. The open air, the crowd, the vibrant colors, the different shapes and sizes of kites, and the kite show by the kite makers created a beautiful atmosphere!!
RBL members were impressed because I was not a member, yet I identified and executed a task properly. The club enrolled me as a member with immediate effect..!! I was thrilled. Since then, my weekends have been devoted to social service, and I feel complete. Ironically, the flying kites gave me stability in the city. The kites organically floated into my life, the threads connected me, and my spirits soared.😊
Participating in a kite flying event with the Rotary Bangalore Lakeside Club not only rekindled my passion for kite flying but also led me to discover a new sense of purpose in social service. Today, kite flying remains a cherished part of my life, a symbol of the joy, freedom, and connections that bring me fulfillment.
Nostalgic now a days we hardly see children pursuing such games
Oh yeah! Kite flying has reduced.
I remember when I was in school, I would fly kites. But my mother never got me manjha thread as she knew it would harm us. So i had just ordinary thread. We played “Kata Kati” and my kite would always get cut. Then a friend who was my senior showed me a technique by which, with an ordinary thread I could cut manja thread. That was superb. That was a lesson for life. You need not be aggressive but be cool . By just quickly releasing the ordinary thread from the reel would cut the manja thread.
That’s a great life lesson! I’m sure only few people know that technique. 😃 Thanks for sharing.