Come 14th January, Makar Sakranti and its nothing less than a National Holiday in Jaipur. Jaipurites paint the sky in Red, Green, Yellow and all posible colours... Kite flying is a ritual on this day for all age, sex, cast and creed.
When I used to be in Jaipur, I loved this day much more than any Holi, Diwali.
In the month of January, even the thought of stepping out of your room will give you jitters. But, mind you, kids start flying kites as early as 7 am on this day. This is called as passion.....
In the absence of good breeze, flying kite is a big challenge. Chutti comes really handy in this case. In Chutti one guy will hold the kite from both sides and stand away at a some distance. Other one will hold the string taut, and as the kite is released, he’ll pull the string. Within seconds, your Kite will soar up in the sky. You’ll see chutti in ’’HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM’’.
There are two types of strings used : Maanza and Sadda .
Maanza is a sharp string used for Kite Fighting (Pench Ladana). You need to be careful with this as it might hurt your fingers. Sadda is the regular string , easy on hands.
3 styles are most popular in Kite flying..
1. Khench (Pull) :
You take your Kite under opponents Kite. Then, with full force you start pulling the string.. your kite turn into a missile and maanza acts as a sword..and there goes the opponents kite in the blue..then Jump with glee and shout on the top of your voice..WO KATYAAA !
2. Dheel (Releasing the string) :
In this style you take your kite above opponents and release the string. It’ll load your Kite’s string on his. Then keep releasing the string...and the kite is beheaded. But, be careful..your kite might loose the balance or might stuck in a pillar or tree.
3. Todam tadi (Capturing opponents kite) :
Its the most difficult..most interesting and most profitable style..and thats the reason, it being my favourite. Tangle the tang (reins) of your kite in Opponents string. Once it is interwined well..start pulling your kite. Your opponent’s string will break and his kite will come along with your kite. IT’s really worth watching...
So guys..try these tricks and Pench Ladao