DEBINA BOSE
For those with high-flowing ambitions and a soaring
sensibility, the ‘kai po che’ moment is almost
unbearable in its intensity. AT a time when the
firmament is crowded with colourful kites, orissa post tip-toed into the shop of a well-known kite seller in the city and spoke to him at large on the changing preferences of youths
The time of the year has finally arrived when youths across the city will be shouting ‘Kai Po Che’ and flying their kites high in the sky.
Makar Sankranti or Pongal which is celebrated across the country January 14 is synonymous with the kite flying festival. Omakanth Natiya, a kite seller, surely has a reason to rejoice, as after months of incurring losses it is finally the time of the year when he will be able to fetch a substantial income. “In the months of December and January the demand for kites increases two-fold. A month before Makar Sakranti and Pongal, I find it difficult to manage single- handedly, as it seems the entire city assembles in front of my shop to choose their desired kites,” quipped Natiya.
The kite seller who has his establishment adjacent to Sreya Talkies is fondly called by his customers Natiya bhai or Natiya ‘mausa’. From displaying the best quality kite threads to an array of colourful and quirky kites with beautiful images on them, Omakanth takes pride in being one of the most sought after kite sellers in the city. In the business for around 25 years, Natiya was the first to introduce ‘fighter kites’ in Orissa which are mainly used for kite fighting.
“Earlier, the skins of kites were made of a thin paper and the spars were usually made of lightweight, flexible wood. Nowadays, the skins of fighter kites have been replaced with a variety of synthetic materials like mylar, nylon and polyester sheeting. I personally import these kites from Kolkata and Bangalore,” said Natiya.
Natiya’s shop is also frequented by youths looking for premium kite threads manufactured in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. “Low quality threads made of cloth are no longer in use. Strong abrasive thread gummed, coloured and coated with powdered glass are more in demand as they retain a longer while,” explained Natiya.
Besides possessing bundles of quality kite strings, Natiya showcases around hundreds of kites bearing pictures of cartoons, film stars and various colourful motifs.
“Earlier, just buying a plain, simply-designed kite was enough for the customers, but now kids flock in large number to choose their preferred kites based on their favourite movie stars or cartoon characters,” said Natiya.
From designs of angry birds, chota bheem, movie stars to even television personalities, Natiya has a kite to suit every occasion. Giant kites in the shape of a butterfly or a bird are one of the main attractions at his shop. “I have come all the way from Sambalpur to purchase Natiya bhai’s kites. He has one of the best collections in the state. Last year, I purchased around 50 varieties of kites for my friends and relatives. This time for Makar Sakranti I bought a larger quantity,” said Raju Behera, a customer.
When enquired about where the kites are brought from, Natiya narrated his tireless journey. “Most of the kites are made in Kolkata after which through the middlemen are brought to Cuttack. From Cuttack every week I personally bring the kites and sell them here. Many times I have to visit places like Rajasthan and Bangalore to fetch the quality kites.”
Being in the business for more than two decades, Omakanth recapitulates about the varying scenario of kite flying in the state. “In Cuttack, people are more attached to the tradition of kite flying. From 60 to a six-year-old, kite flying is a favoured past time. But here in the city the practise is only confined among the youth,” reflected Natiya.
Another reason for the high demand of Natiya’s kites is the affordable prices that he has kept for his customers with minimal profit for himself. Ranging between Rs 3 and Rs 400, the prices are fixed based on the size and the quality of the kites. “Natiya mausa is immensely liberal. We do endless number of bargaining with him but he always sells the kites keeping his customer’s demand in mind,” said Sekhar, one regular customer at Natiya’s shop.
