Nitish Mahajan
Kite flying, a practice once celebrated as a festival, has seen a significant decline in popularity among the youth over the past few decades. In the early 1990s, kite flying was not just a leisurely activity but a cultural phenomenon that brought communities together. It was a time when the skies would be adorned with colorful kites, each one symbolizing the joy, creativity, and competitive spirit of its flyer. However, with the advent of modern technology and the increasing allure of electronic gadgets, this once-beloved tradition is fading into obscurity.
During the early 1990s, kite flying was an integral part of youth culture. It was more than just an activity; it was a festival that marked various cultural and regional celebrations. Basant Panchami in India, Makar Sankranti, and the vibrant celebrations during Uttarayan in Gujarat, Lohri in Punjab, Raksha Bandhan and Shri Krishna Janamashtami in the Jammu region are a few examples where kite flying played a pivotal role. These events were eagerly anticipated by the youth, who would spend days preparing their kites and honing their skills.
Competitions were a major highlight of these festivals. Young enthusiasts would gather in large numbers, participating in local, regional, and even national kite flying competitions. The sight of kites of various shapes, sizes, and colors battling in the sky was a spectacle that united people across different age groups and social backgrounds. It was a time when the spirit of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and cultural pride was at its peak.
Kite flying is deeply rooted in various cultures around the world. In many Asian countries, it is seen as a symbol of freedom, hope, and prosperity. In India, kites are flown to celebrate Makar Sankranti, a festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. This transition is believed to bring new harvests and prosperity.
In China, kite flying has been practiced for over 2,000 years and is considered a form of art. The Chinese New Year often sees elaborate kites shaped like dragons, phoenixes, and other mythical creatures soaring in the sky. These kites are believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.
Similarly, in Japan, kites are flown during the Boys’ Festival, known as Kodomo no Hi, to celebrate the health and growth of young boys. The kites, often shaped like carp fish, symbolize strength and perseverance.
In India, kite flying is associated with various regional festivals. In Delhi, the skies are filled with kites during Independence Day, symbolizing freedom and celebration. In Punjab, kites soar high during Lohri, marking the end of winter and the arrival of longer days. In the Jammu region, kite flying is a significant part of Raksha Bandhan and Shri Krishna Janamashtami celebrations, symbolizing the bond between siblings and the birth of Lord Krishna, respectively. These regional festivities highlight the deep cultural roots and widespread appeal of kite flying across the country.
Despite its rich cultural heritage, kite flying has seen a significant decline in popularity among today’s youth. The primary reason for this shift is the increasing dominance of electronic gadgets and digital entertainment. The rise of smartphones, video games, and social media platforms has drastically changed the way young people spend their leisure time.
Today, children and teenagers are more likely to be found indoors, engrossed in their screens, rather than outside, engaging in traditional outdoor activities. The convenience and instant gratification provided by electronic gadgets have overshadowed the joys of kite flying, which requires patience, skill, and a connection with nature.
Moreover, the fast-paced lifestyle of modern society leaves little room for activities like kite flying. The pressures of academic performance, extracurricular activities, and the constant connectivity to digital devices have contributed to a lifestyle where there is less time for such leisurely pursuits. The decline of kite flying among the youth is not just a loss of a recreational activity but also a fading of cultural heritage. It is imperative to revive this tradition and encourage the younger generation to reconnect with this vibrant aspect of our culture.
Here are a few steps that can be taken to achieve this:
Organize Kite Flying Events: Schools, community centers, and cultural organizations can play a crucial role in reviving kite flying by organizing events and competitions. These events can be tied to festivals and special occasions, making them more attractive and relevant to the youth.
Educational Campaigns: Educating young people about the cultural significance and history of kite flying can spark their interest. Workshops and seminars can be conducted to teach the art of kite making and flying.
Leverage Technology: While technology has contributed to the decline of kite flying, it can also be used to revive interest. Creating engaging content, such as online tutorials, videos, and social media campaigns showcasing the beauty and excitement of kite flying, can attract the attention of the tech-savvy youth.
Family Involvement: Parents and elders can encourage their children to participate in kite flying by making it a family activity. This can not only help preserve the tradition but also strengthen family bonds.
Addressing Social Issues: Kite flying can be promoted as a positive alternative to combat the rising drug culture among the youth. By engaging in this healthy and constructive activity, young people can divert their attention from negative influences and develop a sense of achievement and pride. Kite flying is more than just an activity; it is a cultural legacy that has been passed down through generations. The decline in its popularity among the youth is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed. By reviving this tradition, we can help the younger generation reconnect with their cultural roots, develop a sense of community, and find healthy alternatives to the distractions of modern technology. It is time to take action and ensure that the skies are once again filled with the vibrant colors of kites, symbolizing the spirit of youth, freedom, and cultural pride.
Let us work together to revive the joy of kite flying and pass on this rich cultural heritage to future generations.
(The writer is State Co-incharge Social Media Department BJP J&K UT)