Makar Sankranti, celebrated with joy across India, is incomplete without the vibrant tradition of kite flying. On this occasion, &TV artists recount their unique and fun experiences, capturing the festive spirit of Makar Sankranti and sharing their cherished memories of their first kite-flying adventures.
These include Aayudh Bhanushali (Young Atal from Atal), Geetanjali Mishra (Rajesh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Aayudh Bhanushali, portraying Young Atal in &TV show Atal, shares, “In Gujarat, where we celebrate Makar Sankranti as Uttrayan, kite flying is a tradition that brings families and friends together. My first experience of flying a kite was nothing short of a comedy show! I stood on the terrace, armed with a colourful kite and a roll of manjha, but I had no clue what to do next. Every time I tried to launch the kite, it would either dive straight into a neighbour’s balcony or get hopelessly tangled in a tree. Seeing my struggle, my uncle, a kite enthusiast, came to my rescue. He patiently explained the basics of kite flying and demonstrated how to gently pull the string to keep the kite steady. I was so focused on getting it right that I accidentally let go of the manjha, and my kite took off on its own! My cousins burst into laughter, teasing me for letting my kite ‘escape.’ Eventually, after many failed attempts, I managed to get my kite soaring high in the sky. The joy of seeing it dance in the breeze was unforgettable. Now, I am good with kite flying, but every time I spot a kite stuck in a tree, it takes me back to that hilarious first attempt.”
Geetanjali Mishra, aka Rajesh Singh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, recalls, “My first kite-flying experience is something I will never forget. As a child, I was so excited to try my hand at flying a kite, but I had no idea it would be such a challenge. My first few attempts were disastrous—the kite would not even lift off the ground! My friends teased me mercilessly as my kite kept crashing into bushes and tangling in trees. After countless failed tries, I refused to give up. With some help from my elder cousin, who patiently taught me how to hold the manjha and manoeuvre the kite, I gave it one more shot. This time, the kite finally soared into the sky! The sense of pride and joy I felt as it danced in the breeze was indescribable. That moment made all the struggle worthwhile. Even now, when I see a kite flying high, it reminds me of that incredible day—the laughter, the determination, and the pure happiness of achieving something for the very first time. Let me confess that I still don’t know how to fly a kite. That was the only time I succeeded in the attempt, and I credit my cousin for that (laughs).
Shubhangi Atre, portraying Angoori Bhabhi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, adds, “In Indore, kite flying is not just a tradition; it is a vibrant celebration and a friendly battlefield in the skies! One of my first and funniest memories of kite flying goes back to my childhood when I was determined to outshine everyone on the terrace. I had my kite perfectly ready, and with full confidence, I launched it into the air. Just when I thought I had mastered the art, a strong gust of wind came, tangling my kite around the TV antenna on our roof. In my eagerness to free it, I climbed up with the manjha in hand, only to get myself tangled too! My sisters were laughing so hard they could barely help me. After a lot of struggle and laughter, we managed to rescue the kite, and surprisingly, it was still good to fly. Even now, whenever I fly a kite, that memory of laughter, chaos, and triumph comes rushing back. Makar Sankranti truly is a time of joy, competition, and unforgettable moments with loved ones.”