Ahead of Viswakarma Puja , we look at how Kolkata’s kite enthusiasts are trying to revive the tradition that’s a part of the city’s culture
Bhokatta is a word that stirs happy memories for many Kolkata residents who love flying kites on Viswakarma Puja. In fact, the tradition of kite flying as intrinsic a part of the city’s cultural fabric as Durga Puja .
Today’s kids and kite flying
Gone are the days when the voices of kids shouting and chasing rogue kites used to echo across the city on Viswakarma Puja. “Kids today are more into their mobile phones than kite flying, which was not the case earlier,” laments Nasir Ahmed, a kite enthusiast.
An undying fanbase
For 70-year-old Dilip Kumar Mukherjee, kite flying is not just an activity, it is his connection to his childhood. “I started flying kites when I was 7 and now, I am 70, and feel the same about the sport. I remember teaching the sons in the house and they are probably the last generation who are enthusiastic about flying kites,” he said.
Rise of competitions
The number of kite flying competitions has surged in recent years, with registrations climbing steadily. According to organisers, last year, 85 people signed up, and this year, the number has jumped to 105. “This increase is a sign of how serious people are getting about the sport again,” says Nasir. The interest in competition-standard kites, with their precise measurements and custom designs, has soared too.
Soaring calls for justice
This year, many kite flyers plan to express solidarity with the RG Kar protests by flying black kites. Many shops are also selling such black kites, which aren’t usually on display.
Kite flying craze on the rise
The kite flying craze has spread across Kolkata like never before, with Bowbazar, Picnic Garden, Howrah, and Bally becoming home to multiple teams of kite flyers. “Earlier, there were barely any teams in some areas, but now they’re everywhere,” says Debashis Das, a kite shop owner.
Types of kites flown
Not all kites are created equal. Tournament kites, known as Pouna patangs, have specific measurements and are flown in competitions across India. Meanwhile, addha kites, more relaxed in nature, are favourites in Kolkata clubs, where they are flown just for the love of it.
'In the heart of Kolkata, children don’t even know the joy of flying a kite+'
– Nasir Ahmed, a long-time kite enthusiast
'There is also a demand for ‘Justice for Abhaya’ kites, however we don’t keep it on display. Whenever someone asks for it, we quickly have it ready for them'
– A shopkeeper at Santosh Mitra Square
'We organise a kite flying contest every two months & offer prizes to lure youngsters into participating'
– Bapi Kumar Das, a Howrah-based kite flying enthusiast
It’s a dangerous sport, so we try to use the terrace and hold competitions away from the city
– Kuntal Banerjee, a member of Howrah Kite Flying Association
Bhokatta is a word that stirs happy memories for many Kolkata residents who love flying kites on Viswakarma Puja. In fact, the tradition of kite flying as intrinsic a part of the city’s cultural fabric as Durga Puja .
Today’s kids and kite flying
Gone are the days when the voices of kids shouting and chasing rogue kites used to echo across the city on Viswakarma Puja. “Kids today are more into their mobile phones than kite flying, which was not the case earlier,” laments Nasir Ahmed, a kite enthusiast.
An undying fanbase
For 70-year-old Dilip Kumar Mukherjee, kite flying is not just an activity, it is his connection to his childhood. “I started flying kites when I was 7 and now, I am 70, and feel the same about the sport. I remember teaching the sons in the house and they are probably the last generation who are enthusiastic about flying kites,” he said.
Rise of competitions
The number of kite flying competitions has surged in recent years, with registrations climbing steadily. According to organisers, last year, 85 people signed up, and this year, the number has jumped to 105. “This increase is a sign of how serious people are getting about the sport again,” says Nasir. The interest in competition-standard kites, with their precise measurements and custom designs, has soared too.
Soaring calls for justice
This year, many kite flyers plan to express solidarity with the RG Kar protests by flying black kites. Many shops are also selling such black kites, which aren’t usually on display.
Kite flying craze on the rise
The kite flying craze has spread across Kolkata like never before, with Bowbazar, Picnic Garden, Howrah, and Bally becoming home to multiple teams of kite flyers. “Earlier, there were barely any teams in some areas, but now they’re everywhere,” says Debashis Das, a kite shop owner.
Types of kites flown
Not all kites are created equal. Tournament kites, known as Pouna patangs, have specific measurements and are flown in competitions across India. Meanwhile, addha kites, more relaxed in nature, are favourites in Kolkata clubs, where they are flown just for the love of it.
'In the heart of Kolkata, children don’t even know the joy of flying a kite+'
– Nasir Ahmed, a long-time kite enthusiast
'There is also a demand for ‘Justice for Abhaya’ kites, however we don’t keep it on display. Whenever someone asks for it, we quickly have it ready for them'
– A shopkeeper at Santosh Mitra Square
'We organise a kite flying contest every two months & offer prizes to lure youngsters into participating'
– Bapi Kumar Das, a Howrah-based kite flying enthusiast
It’s a dangerous sport, so we try to use the terrace and hold competitions away from the city
– Kuntal Banerjee, a member of Howrah Kite Flying Association
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