We are just days away from celebrating Uttarayan. While many are excited and ready for friendly kite-flying battles, the festival also brings serious risks. Razor-sharp manjha, especially banned Chinese kite strings, has once again put lives at risk across Madhya Pradesh. In recent days, these dangerous threads have caused multiple serious injuries and deaths. Scroll down to know more.
Chinese Kite Strings Put Lives At Risk In Madhya Pradesh
With Uttarayan excitement buzzing in the air, people have already begun kite flying. However, the festival turned deadly as Indore reported three terrifying incidents within just four hours on Sunday. The first incident occurred around 5:30 pm on Khajrana Bridge. 35-year-old Raghuveer Dhakad, a tile contractor from Bicholi Mardana, was returning home from a construction site when the manjha wrapped around his neck and caused a deep cut.
According to NDTV, he was rushed to MY Hospital, but doctors could not save him. Police confirmed the incident and are questioning those who admitted him to the hospital. Officials from Tilak Nagar police station said the injury was caused by a banned kite string.
A few hours later, two more motorcyclists suffered similar injuries in Indore. On Sapna–Sangeeta Road, 18-year-old Narendra Jamod, a NEET aspirant, sustained a severe neck injury while riding with a friend. Doctors performed emergency surgery at a private hospital. In another case near Indore Airport, Ashish Raghuvanshi suffered a deep cut on his neck when a kite string struck him while riding on 60 Feet Road. He is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.
In Chhindwara, a nine-year-old boy suffered a serious ear injury while playing outside his home and needed 43 stitches. In Ujjain, a student returning from an exam had his throat cut and required 10 stitches. Another young man was hurt when the string wrapped around his neck while riding a motorcycle.
Also Read: Makar Sankranti 2026: KSRTC Fares Drop, Hyderabad Adds Buses Special Trains; All About It
How To Select The Right Manjha?
This Uttarayan, if you want safe and less dangerous kite strings, here’s how to choose them.
1. Before buying or using manjha, verify local laws. Threads coated with glass or metal are banned or restricted in many cities across India.
2. Opt for legal, non-abrasive, or “low-cut” manjha. Safety should be the priority.
3. Check the quality before use. Look for even coating, safer non-metallic abrasives, and buy from trusted sellers.
This Uttarayan make sure you don’t cause any harm to other people, animals, and birds. Enjoy safe Makar Sankranti!
Also Read: International Kite Festival 2026: Cities, Dates, &; Where To See Vibrant Kites In Gujarat
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ subodhsathe