Dying art of kite flying in Jammu: From rooftops to reminiscence

There was a time when the skies of Jammu and many parts of northern India danced with colourful kites, and the very act of flying them was a celebration - not just for children, but for people of all ages.

- RAJ DALUJA

From the youngest in the house to the elderly, everyone once found joy in the simple pleasure of kite flying, especially during festivals like Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami.

In states like Delhi and Punjab, kite flying still sees flashes of enthusiasm during specific festivals, but the once-vibrant tradition is steadily fading. Here in Jammu, the decline is more evident - and more painful for those who grew up with memories of paper birds soar high and the echo of "Chal gayeeeee Aaaaaa!" ringing across neighbourhood rooftops.

In Jammu, kite flying is traditionally celebrated on Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami. In Punjab and Haryana it is enjoyed during Vasant Panchami and Lohri in Delhi on 15th of August, while in Ahmedabad, a grand kite festival named International Kite Flying Festival is held every year from January 11 to January 14, attracting participants from 132 countries.