About kites

WHAT IS A KITE?

A kite is something that flies. A bird, grasshopper, helicopter and aeroplane are things which fly but none of them are kites.

A kite flies with a line anchored to the ground whereas the bird, grasshopper, helicopter and aeroplane fly with wings or are mechanically propelled. However, a kite cannot fly until it is bridled properly and tied to a flying line.

HISTORY OF KITES

Even though its origin is obscure, it is generally accepted that kites were first invented in China and were being flown by the Chinese around 1000 B.C.

From China, it spread to Japan, Korea, Burma, Indonesia and Malaysia through the Buddhist and then percolated into India.

In China, kites are flown to drive away evil spirits whereas in India it is a tribute to our 'Pitru', our forefathers. 'Patang' is a Sanskrit word and it means butterfly. But Patang is also a proper noun. In the epic 'Shrimad Bhagwat Gita', Patang is the name of the third son born to Devkiji, the mother of Lord Krishna and the sister of Kansa.

Both in China and Japan there are many kite related stories in the folklore recounting the daring exploits of brave individuals being borne aloft kites for both national glory and personal gain. Except for the Korean, Malaysian and Thai kites, almost all the fighter kites from Afghanistan to Japan are diamond shaped with slight variation in length / breadth.

Kite is a kind of bird.

Kite is anything that flies on a line-string / rope. The shape of the kite was developed by each country / general area, depending on the various roles that the kite played in different countries. The uses of kite have been many and varied. Apart from its religious and ceremonial significance, it has been used for signaling over vast distances, providing military observations, fishing, aerial photography and deriving the secrets of the atmosphere-providing traction and lift in thousands of applications and in the modern world it is also used as an advertising and marketing tool.

Undoubtedly the contribution of kites has been its role as a precursor of the Aeroplane.

In the western part of the world, according to European tradition the invention of the kite is attributed to the Greek Mathematician Archytus Tarentum who around 400 B.C. constructed a wooden bird, based on his studies of birds in flight. Perhaps he was inspired by seeing the Chinese bird kites.

Man is a creature of circumstances. Accordingly, in the eastern part of the world because of abundant availability of suitable kind of bamboo sticks and paper / fabric mainly silk, the kites are made from these materials. On the other hand, in the western countries, because the winds are of high speed, no paper is used, only fabric is used, mainly rip stop nylon which goes into making parachutes and sails of ships; and instead of bamboo sticks, fiber rods and carbon rods are used. The line used is also thick made of nylon or Dacron. Kite cutting is now spreading from the eastern part of the world to Europe, America and Australia.

TYPES OF KITES

1. Indian Kites – commonly known as the Indian Fighter Kites made of tissue paper and 2 bamboo sticks and

2. Kites which are non-fighter Kites which are made from special fabric called spinnaker (rip stop nylon) and carbon rods or fiber glass rods. This spinnaker is used for parachutes and sails of sailing ships. These type of kites are generally flown in western countries. These kites are flown with a nylon line as against 'Manjha' for Indian Fighter Kites. These again are of 3 types – flat kites (including kite trains), 3 dimensional kites (length, width/depth and breadth – like the box kite, triangular kites and circular lines) and inflatable kites (without sticks or rods).

Golden Kite Club is probably the most versatile kite clubs of India as it excels in both these categories of kites.

Golden Kite Club has a huge collection of both – the Indian Fighter Kites and the non-fighter kites, most of which are made by themselves as also spools / firkis, and manjha and kites from different countries.

BENEFITS OF KITE FLYING

  • Rejuvenates a person as it provides exposure to sunlight and fresh air;

  • Natural exercise for hands, arms and shoulders;

  • Improves eye sight;

  • Relieves stress as the person is engrossed in the kite & forgets all problems;

  • Appeals to all age groups and genders; thereby enabling to socialize;

  • Environmentally friendly;

  • No atmospheric pollution;

  • Develops concentration; and

  • Makes one feel joyful, happy & positive

SAFETY RULES

Before flying kite, you should be aware of some safety rules. Never fly when:

  • Thunder is on the way;

  • Near electric lines;

  • Amongst people;

  • Near Trees;

  • Near railway lines;

  • Near airports;

  • Near roads; and

  • Near farmland with animals

Always anticipate a failure and the need for a quick recovery!