Uttarayan is here, say no to illegal Chinese manja, keep animal helplines handy

Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan (Kite festival) is around the corner, and the Ahmedabad sky will be full of kites of various hues. However, amid the festive vibes it is imperative that we don’t lose our humanity. Animal protection organisation, Humane Society International/India (HSI/India) has urged citizens across India to celebrate a cruelty-free Makar Sankranti by refraining from the use of synthetic or ‘Chinese manja’ to fly kites. 

Chinese manja is the term used for strings coated with crushed glass that are dangerously sharp and have been known to cut through the skin of birds, animals, and humans – causing fatal injuries.

Every year, thousands of birds suffer from injuries, some fatal, due to entanglement in these hazardous strings. As per data shared by Jivdaya Charitable Trust, an Ahmedabad NGO, approximately 4,000 birds were injured in Ahmedabad in 2024. 

The dangers of synthetic manja extend to humans as well, causing injuries to motorcyclists and children. According to last year’s data, 54 people were injured in two days of Uttarayan in Ahmedabad, and at least six were killed in Gujarat due to manja cuts.

Festival woes 

Despite the National Green Tribunal’s ban on the use of Chinese manja in 2017, the sale and use of this hazardous material persists across India. 

Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023 makes the use of Chinese manja a punishable offence with a fine of ₹5,000 or imprisonment up to one year

Alokparna Sengupta, managing director, HSI/India said: “This disregard for the law is troubling as it turns a joyous occasion into a death trap for birds, animals and humans.”

“Not only does this jeopardize public safety and animal welfare, but it highlights the urgent need for authorities to enforce stricter measures. At the same time, we urge the citizens to celebrate a compassionate Makar Sankranti. When you are out shopping for this sankranti, please buy cotton threads to fly your kite. Do not pay for something which is not only illegal but also cruel and can injure and kill those around you,” he added.

Call for action

• Use eco-friendly manja: Traditional cotton threads, once commonly used for kite flying, are safe for both humans and animals and do not contribute to environmental damage.
• Report the illegal sale of Chinese manja: If you come across any vendors selling it, inform the local police authorities immediately.
• Keep a list of bird helplines handy: If you come across an injured bird, immediately contact the nearest helpline in your area. 

Helpline numbers for birds/animals:

‘1962’ (Karuna Helpline) or any local NGO if you see any injured bird or animal.

Sajag Group: 7878171727

Jivaya Charitable Trust: 9924418184

• Be mindful of waste: Dispose of kite strings and materials responsibly, avoiding littering in public spaces, roads and water bodies.

Also read:

‘Kai po chhe!’ Gujarat produces kites worth ₹600 cr every year