Say No to Chinese Manja This Festival
As Makar Sankranti 2025 approaches, calls for a more responsible and cruelty-free celebration grow louder. Last year’s statistics paint a grim picture, with over 1,000 birds injured in Mumbai and a staggering 4,000 in Ahmedabad during the two-day festival. These injuries are attributed to the widespread use of synthetic or ‘Chinese manja’—a sharp, plastic-coated thread used for kite flying.
The dangers of synthetic manja extend beyond birds. This thread, known for its tensile strength and sharpness, has caused severe injuries to motorcyclists, pedestrians, and even children. Incidents of the manja slitting throats and causing life-threatening injuries highlight its peril to human lives. Moreover, synthetic manja poses a significant environmental threat, as it is non-biodegradable and often ends up littering roads, trees, and water bodies. In light of these alarming consequences, Humane Society International/India (HSI/India) has urged citizens to opt for traditional alternatives like cotton threads. Unlike synthetic manja, cotton threads are safe for humans and animals and are environmentally sustainable.
Such practices align with the broader need for sustainable celebrations, ensuring festivals do not come at the cost of lives or ecological damage. Experts also emphasise the importance of responsible disposal of kite-flying materials. Discarded threads frequently entangle wildlife and pollute urban spaces. Community awareness and strict enforcement of bans on Chinese manja are critical to making this festive season safer. As we prepare to welcome Makar Sankranti, let’s prioritise compassion and sustainability. By opting for cruelty-free practices, we can ensure the festival remains a joyous occasion for all—humans, animals, and the planet alike.