Nashik's Makar Sankranti Celebrations Take a Backseat to Election Activities
This year's Makar Sankranti festivities in Nashik witnessed a noticeable drop in kite flying. Many residents pointed to the timing of the festival, which coincided directly with the threshold of the corporation election. The usual vibrant scenes of people taking to terraces with kites were largely absent across the city.
Election Work Overshadows Traditional Festivity
Activists in various areas, typically at the forefront of organizing festival celebrations, found themselves preoccupied. They were deeply engaged in work supporting their chosen candidates. The familiar sounds of music systems blaring from building tops and the loud cheers that accompany cutting a rival's kite were conspicuously missing this Sankranti.
Mayur Jawale, an IT professional residing in Cidco, shared his observations. For him, flying kites on Sankranti is almost a sacred ritual. "Fewer people are flying kites in the Cidco and surrounding areas than usual," he noted. "Some kites started dotting the skies only after 4pm. Perhaps people were busy with election work."
Kite Sellers Report Sharp Decline in Business
The impact extended to local vendors. Kite sellers in prominent areas like Panchavati and Raviwar Karanja within Nashik city reported a stark downturn. Their business was nearly half of what they typically experience during the festival. They directly attributed this slump to the ongoing election, which diverted public attention and participation.
Festival Greetings and Persistent Safety Concerns
Despite the subdued kite flying, the spirit of the festival was not entirely lost. People still exchanged warm Makar Sankranti greetings throughout the day. Messages from political parties and candidates, wishing citizens a happy festival, began pouring in from the early morning hours.
However, a significant safety concern persisted. The use of nylon manja, a banned type of kite string known for its danger to humans and birds, was reportedly still in circulation. Police officials stated they maintained strict vigilance against its use and sale. Yet, many citizens from the Cidco area reported finding lengths of this hazardous material strewn along roadsides, indicating its continued, illegal use during the festivities.
