Hyderabad, 13 February 2025: In an exciting display of traditional kite fighting, Rainbow Kite Club Hyderabad and Hyderabad Deccan Kite Club showed amazing skills against the Bangalore International Kite Club in a two-day tournament held at Shankerpally Ground, Rangareddy District.
The tournament saw professional kite fighters engaging in intense battles using 6-cord Manjha made of cotton thread, staying true to the traditional art of kite flying. Speaking at the event, Bareilly Manjha Director Himalaya Shinghal, a strong advocate for safe kite flying, emphasized the dangers of nylon threads, which are widely used despite posing serious risks.
“These clubs are committed to preserving the true essence of kite flying while ensuring safety. Our mission is to encourage the younger generation to step outdoors, engage in this age-old tradition, and experience a world beyond digital screens,” said Singhal.
A Push for Eco-Friendly Kite Flying
The tournament also highlighted efforts to promote environmentally safe Manjha. Rainbow Kite Manjha Bareilly, a Bareilly-based business specializing in traditional cotton-based Bareilly Manjha under the brand RKM TALWAAR, played a key role in the event. The company actively opposes the use of Chinese, nylon, and plastic threads, which are known to be hazardous to humans, birds, and the environment.
While Himalaya Shinghal runs the business from Bareilly, his brother Aakash Shinghal, an IT professional based in Hyderabad, continues to fuel the passion for kite flying in the city, ensuring that the tradition remains alive for future generations. With tournaments like these, Hyderabad is witnessing a revival of competitive kite flying, bringing together enthusiasts who cherish the sport’s heritage while promoting safer and more sustainable practices.
