Gulzar Houz Kite Market Says No to Chinese Manja
Vendors said that the material is largely manufactured in Gujarat and urged the government to crack down on manufacturing units producing it despite the ban. They described the manja as a dangerous product posing serious risks to humans, animals and birds.
Hyderabad: Gulzar Houz, a nearly 400-year-old kite market and one of the oldest of its kind in the country, has come alive ahead of Sankranti. Shopkeepers at Gulzar Houz have collectively decided not to sell banned Chinese manja.
Vendors said that the material is largely manufactured in Gujarat and urged the government to crack down on manufacturing units producing it despite the ban. They described the manja as a dangerous product posing serious risks to humans, animals and birds.
This year, the market is witnessing strong demand for new varieties of kites, along with accessories and props. Solar powered caps fitted with small fans, priced at around ₹200, are among the popular items. Finger protection aids for kite flyers and various decorative items for the festival are also available in large numbers.
The market provides livelihood to hundreds of families, with craftsmen supplying kites, manja and charaks, which are sold by shopkeepers. As the festival nears, the area is expected to witness heavy rush and traffic congestion. Venu Gopal Bajaj of Bajaj Patang Ghar said Gulzar Houz is a heritage market that attracts buyers from other states and all districts of Telangana. He urged the government to permit shops to remain open till 3 am for three days ahead of the festival to cater to customers travelling from distant places.
Meanwhile, Charminar police have been holding meetings with shopkeepers to sensitise them about the harmful effects of banned Chinese manja. SHO A. Ramesh said efforts were being intensified to completely eliminate the use of the banned material. He appealed to shop owners and the public not to use it, citing the serious threat it poses to human lives, animals and birds.