#JUSTIN: Four Dead as Illegal Kite Strings Mar Makar Sankranti Festivities

The joyous spirit of Makar Sankranti was tragically overshadowed on January 14, 2026, as at least four people lost their lives across India due to injuries caused by illegal Chinese manjha—the sharp, glass-coated nylon kite string banned in many states. While millions celebrated the harvest festival with colorful kites soaring in the skies, the day turned deadly in several cities, highlighting once again the persistent danger posed by this prohibited material despite repeated crackdowns and court orders.

The Chinese manjha, known for its extreme sharpness and durability, remains the leading cause of kite-flying-related fatalities and severe injuries every year during Sankranti. The thin, synthetic string coated with finely ground glass or metal cuts through skin, throats, and even deeper tissues like a razor blade when it comes into contact at high speed. Authorities have repeatedly warned that even a momentary lapse—such as riding a two-wheeler, walking on the street, or standing on a rooftop—can prove fatal when these strings are in use.

Reports from different parts of the country on January 14 confirmed the grim toll: victims included motorcyclists whose throats were slashed while riding, pedestrians who suffered deep neck injuries, and, in one case, a child who sustained life-threatening wounds. The deaths occurred despite police patrols, awareness campaigns, and bans on the sale and use of manjha in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Enforcement remains a major challenge, with the illegal drug still widely available through informal networks and online platforms.

Also Read: Nitish Kumar Likely to Induct New Ministers From NDA Partners Post ‘Khar Maas’

The recurring fatalities have once again sparked outrage and calls for stricter action. Kite-flying enthusiasts and festival organizers have urged people to switch to safer, traditional cotton or cotton-thread manjha, which causes far less harm. Medical experts warn that injuries from Chinese manjha often require emergency surgery, and in many cases the cuts are so deep that victims bleed to death before reaching hospitals.

As the sun sets on Makar Sankranti, the festival that symbolizes hope, renewal, and the victory of light over darkness, these needless deaths serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need for collective responsibility. Authorities continue to appeal to the public to celebrate safely, avoid banned strings, and report illegal sellers to help prevent further tragedies in future kite-flying seasons.

Also Read: #JUSTIN: Asiya Andrabi Found Guilty Under UAPA in Major Terror Conspiracy Case