Kolkata: In run-up to Wiswakaka Puja, the spirit and business kite maker is not too high.
Combination of factors, including pandemic, agitation of farmers in northern India, price increases and unavailability of skilled makers, threatens traditional kites that fly the Vishwakarma Puja.
Manufacturers and sellers reported any decline in sales between 60% and 80% with many small units of keeping their outlets closed at least this year.
The kite flying club in the city, also said the availability of good quality kites and high prices have prevented many of their members involved in sports on independence day.
“Many convergent factors this year and discuss traditional sports are very popular on the day of independence and Wiswakaka Puja,” said Souvik Ghosh Airplay Gobindo, an old century shop in Faripukur in North Kolkata and one of the biggest names in the kite business.
“Pandemics and related restrictions have disrupted the supply chain this year.
Second, the price has gone up, downplaying many people to engage in this sport,” he added.
Many manufacturers say raw materials such as spoiled, white thread, latai – or rolling pins – come from North India.
“Because farmer agitation in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, the vehicle will not come or take a large detour, which drives costs,” said Anwar Ali from Baksh Ahmed Kite, manufacturer at Sagar Dutta Lane in Central Kolkata.
Flying kites are an integral part of independence day.
The tradition has begun in the 1920s when people will fly kites with messages like ‘leaving India’ or ‘Simon back’.
“But this year, participation is very low because of a combination of factors,” said Sourav Das, Secretary General of Kolkata Kites Lovers.
“Because of the pandemic, we cannot gather anywhere.
The kites and spoils are also not available,” said the watershed.
Some social economic reasons have had an impact on the popularity of kites among young people.
“At present, there is no right terrace because people shift to the apartment.
Cellphones and online games are becoming more popular among children.
Parents and older siblings do not have much time to continue flying kite art to generation Younger, “said Ghosh Airplay Gobindo.