Ahead of Makar Sankranti, an Ahmedabad-based NGO Jivdaya Charitable Trust shared data that showed thousands of birds were injured in 2024 because of banned manja. Humane Society International/India (HSI/India), an animal protection organisation, has urged people to avoid using the harmful manja and even shared local helpline numbers where people can report such bird injuries.
Banned Manja Cause Significant Injuries To Birds On Makar Sankranti
According to the Free Press Journal, despite a ban, people use a dangerous manja that is coated with crushed glass. This manja poses severe risks to birds, animals and even human life. As per data shared by Jivdaya Charitable Trust, during Makar Sankranti 2024, around 4,000 birds were injured in Ahmedabad and 1000 such cases were reported in Mumbai in just two days.
The report further showed that there were 13,000 bird injuries and over 1,000 fatalities during Uttarayan last year. Birds often get entangled with kite manja, which ends up causing fatal injuries and thousands of bird injuries each year during the festive period.
It is to be noted that synthetic manja isn’t just hazardous for birds and animals, but for humans as well. Motorcyclists and children are most vulnerable because of this. During Makar Sankranti 2024, a tragic incident caused the death of a seven-year-old boy in Madhya Pradesh when he got entangled with the banned manja. In 2017, the synthetic manja was banned by the National Green Tribunal because of its hazardous impact across India.
Also Read: From Til Ladoo To Nolen Gurer Payesh, Make 6 Traditional Makar Sankranti Dishes From All Over India
People Urged To Use Safe Manja This Year
Humane Society International/India (HSI/India) has urged people to avoid the banned manja to ensure the safety of birds during Makar Sankranti. They have asked people to use cotton thread, instead of synthetic manja, report any illegal sales, and dispose of kite stings responsibly. Most importantly, they have asked people to keep an eye out for injured birds. They even shared helpline numbers on their Instagram page where people can report injured birds.
Also Read: Uttarayan 2025: From Date To Significance, All You Need To Know About This Auspicious Festival
The festive spirit should not turn fatal for anyone, animals and birds included! So, if you’re planning to fly kites this Makar Sankranti, then make sure you use a manja that is not laced with glass or any other harmful material. Stay safe and have a happy Makar Sankranti!
Cover Image Courtesy: Flickr & Canva (representative image)
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.