Inflation has not just affected food items, but has also taken a toll on one of their favourite festivals, Makar Sankranti. This Sankranti we won't have a kite- cluttered sky, claim kite producers here. The kite- flying festival is set to become more expensive this year with the increase in the cost of raw material involved and higher wages for labour.
Kite manufacturers are saying the business is taking a dip. The sales of kites are low compared to the same period in the previous years. " We have prepared lakhs of kites but there are few buyers now and this is because the kids are nowadays more interested in computer and Internet games instead of kites. The increase in price is further affecting us", said Shabaan Khan, president, Mumbai Kites Association.
In addition to the price hike and reduction in sales they are also targeted by animal welfare organisations to prepare soft manjas which won't harm birds. "We have to face the wrath from animal welfare organisations as they accused us of making sharp edged and strong manjas, but we make what has been made since years how can we change that" said Khan.
Inflation has also forced many manufacturers to cut down their production and just cart it from Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. Earlier people from UP used to specially visit the city for preparation of kites and manjas, this trend however has seen a decline in recent times.
" The workers now demand Rs 160 for making 1000 kites instead of earlier 100. When they come here we need to pay them for their stay, and the expense is too much, so we have started buying readymade kites from Uttar Pradesh", said Shaukat Ali Khan, a wholesaler in Bandra.
The price hike in the rates would also affect the retailers which in turn will see a reduction in sales, claim retailers in the city. The retailers also have to bear the cost of damaged kites while purchasing them from wholesalers. " The ultimate result of this hike is reduction in sales. Where people used to spend Rs 100 for 20 kites, they will now spend the same amount and purchase less kites. This will ultimately affect sales," said Rubain Khan, retailer.
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