The Aurangabad region of Varanasi has become a gathering place for kite enthusiasts in advance of Makar Sankranti, a festival that fills the skies with colour and excitement every year.
The vibrant market, which is lined with rows of stores, draws eager customers who are getting ready to take to the skies by offering kites in a stunning variety of colours, sizes, and designs.
However, this year, there is a notable change. Chinese kite strings, once widely used, have disappeared from shelves, replaced by safer, traditional strings sourced from Bareilly and Gujarat.
Shopkeepers say the shift has not dampened enthusiasm. On the contrary, they note that the festive buzz remains strong, with steady footfall and high demand.
Customers echo this sentiment, saying the move to traditional kite strings has made kite flying safer without taking away the fun.
Celebrated annually on January 14, Makar Sankranti marks the sun’s northward journey and the onset of the harvest season. The age-old tradition of kite flying adds a vibrant touch to the festivities, turning the winter sky into a canvas of colour.