Jamghat is celebrated on the second day of Diwali.Image credit source: Getty Images
On the second day of Diwali i.e. Pratipada, kite flying is organized in many areas of the country. The sky is covered with kites of all colors, from red, pink, green, purple, yellow and blue. People fight from rooftops, fields and other open spaces. A special event is organized in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, and a competition is also organized between kitesurfing clubs.
Let us know why kites are flown on the second day of Diwali and how many types of kites there are. What is your story?
Tradition of flying kites in different times.
Generally, kite flying is done at different times throughout the country. In North India, kites are flown on Makar Sankranti, Rakshabandhan and Independence Day. People of Delhi, Haryana, UP and MP enjoy kite flying during these days. At the same time, the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat is not only known in the country for flying kites on Makar Sankranti but is now known all over the world. Kites are flown at many places on Basant Panchami.
Jamboree the day after Diwali
When it comes to kite flying after Diwali, one understandable reason is that people are free on that day. In fact, after the celebration of Diwali, meetings are held on the second day in many places in the country. Jamghat means gathering. That means after celebrating Diwali, people get to know each other. It looks like a meeting. There is haggling.
This day is a holiday in the offices of the employed and the businesses of businessmen and industrialists are also closed. The employees working in these have gone to their respective homes to celebrate Diwali. In North India there is a belief that merchants do not even sell goods on this day. That is why businesses remain closed. Even in shops that are open, scales are not used. Therefore, people have time to socialize with each other.
After the celebration of Diwali, meetings are held on the second day in many places in the country. Photo: Getty Images
That’s why we fly kites after Diwali
To take advantage of this time, people in many parts of the country fly kites. Among them, kite flying in Lucknow, the capital of UP, has a different importance. There is a very old tradition of flying kites in Lucknow on the second day of Diwali. It not only increases the joy of the festival but also brings people closer together. Most people fly kites from the rooftops of their houses, but special events are organized at Nadwa Maidan, Ghantaghar, Gulala Ghat, Satkhanda and the banks of the Gomati River in Lucknow.
part of the heritage of the Nawabs
In media reports, quoting Nawab Masood Abdullah, it has been said that kite flying in Lucknow is an important part of Nawabi heritage. This gives every Diwali a chance to connect with the Nawabi’s historical roots. In fact, kite flying was one of the favorite pastimes of the Nawabs of Awadh. Nowadays people start flying kites from the morning. Many kite flying clubs also participate in it. A large number of people fly kites and hang them, while many adults and children go to great lengths to steal the cut kites. Kite flying has its own joy.
kites according to their characteristics Names like Maandar, Toukhiya, Lathedaar, Genddar and Chandtara are given. Photo: Getty Images
Various types of kites depending on decoration and size.
Although the shape of the kites is the same, they receive different names depending on their decoration. These include Maandar, Toukhiya, Lathedar, Balledar and Chandtara comets. Similarly, kites are also classified according to their size. According to the size of the kites, they are called Aadi, Sawa Ki Teen, Manjholi and Pauntawa.
Such an ancient story of kite flying.
Greek historians believe that kite flying began 2,500 years ago. At the same time, most people are unanimous that kite flying began in China more than two thousand years ago. Even today kites are flown there and the Kite Festival is celebrated every year on September 9. According to historians, Hansij was a general in China. He used paper and air to send messages to his soldiers. He sent a message to his soldiers by cutting the paper into squares and blowing it into the air. Later, colored papers were used and in a short time it became a game. From there this tradition came to India.
Kite flying is mentioned a thousand years ago in the songs of San Nambe in India. During the Mughal rule, even the emperors and princes themselves used to fly kites. At that time, kite flying and screw throwing competitions were also held. Many kites were flown in Lahore and Hyderabad.
Read also: Tradition of bathing with sparks and stones… Interesting Diwali customs
