Chinese Manja Kills Doctor on Makar Sankranti: A Festive Tradition Turned Fatal

The skies were meant to be filled with colour and cheer for Makar Sankranti, but for three families, the festival brought only heartbreak. In a grim reminder of a persistent danger, a doctor was among three people tragically killed by razor-sharp Chinese manja on January 14, 2026 . The victims included a 38-year-old migrant worker, Avadhesh Kumar, who had just arrived in Telangana’s Sangareddy district hours before his life was cut short . This horrific incident is not isolated; it’s part of a terrifying national pattern that turns a beloved tradition into a public safety nightmare.

The Makar Sankranti Tragedy: Lives Lost in an Instant

Makar Sankranti, a festival that celebrates the harvest and the sun’s northward journey, is synonymous with vibrant kites soaring across the sky. However, this year, the festive atmosphere in Sangareddy was shattered. Among the victims was a respected doctor, a professional dedicated to saving lives, who became a victim of a senseless, preventable accident . The other fatality was Avadhesh Kumar, a migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur district, whose journey for a better life ended in tragedy mere hours after he reached his destination . These deaths are a stark indictment of the ongoing use of a substance that has been declared dangerous time and again.

What Exactly Is Chinese Manja and Why Is It So Deadly?

Traditional manja, used for kite flying, was once made from a simple mixture of flour, water, and glass powder. Chinese manja, however, is an entirely different beast. It’s a synthetic, nylon-based string coated with a lethal blend of powdered glass, metal shards, or even porcelain. This concoction creates a wire that is incredibly strong and sharp—sharp enough to slice through human flesh and bone like a scalpel.

The danger isn’t just during the act of flying kites. Discarded strings can hang from trees, power lines, and telephone wires for weeks, becoming invisible death traps for unsuspecting pedestrians, motorcyclists, and birds. A simple ride on a scooter can become fatal if a rider’s neck comes into contact with one of these taut, hidden wires .

A National Crisis: The Alarming Rise in Chinese Manja Deaths

The Sangareddy incident is far from an anomaly. It’s a symptom of a nationwide crisis. Just days before the festival, a 45-year-old motorcyclist lost his life in Indore after his neck was severed by Chinese manja . Reports indicate that in Indore alone, three people have died in recent months due to these deadly strings . At least four deaths related to nylon kite string were reported across India on the day of Makar Sankranti itself .

Beyond human fatalities, the environmental toll is devastating. Thousands of birds, from majestic eagles to common sparrows, suffer gruesome injuries or die every year from getting entangled in these non-biodegradable strings. Animal welfare organizations have long campaigned against its use, highlighting the immense cruelty involved .

The Legal Status of Chinese Manja in India: A Patchwork of Bans

Despite the clear and present danger, the legal framework around Chinese manja remains frustratingly inconsistent. While the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and various high courts have issued orders banning its manufacture, sale, and use, enforcement is often lax .

Police forces in states like Telangana and Madhya Pradesh do launch special drives ahead of Sankranti to seize contraband manja . However, the illegal trade is highly profitable, and vendors often operate from the shadows. Courts have now begun to take a harder stance, with some rulings suggesting that deaths caused by Chinese manja should be booked as cases of culpable homicide, holding sellers and users legally accountable .

How to Celebrate Safely: Essential Tips for a Manja-Free Sankranti

The solution lies in a collective shift towards safer alternatives. Here’s how you can enjoy the festival responsibly:

Use Only Cotton Thread: Stick to traditional, biodegradable cotton thread for your kites. It’s safe for everyone and the environment.
Report Illegal Vendors: If you see someone selling Chinese manja, report them to the local police immediately.
Be a Responsible Flyer: Never fly kites near roads, power lines, or crowded areas. Always reel in your string completely after flying.
Check Your Surroundings: Before riding a two-wheeler, especially in the days following the festival, scan overhead for any dangling strings.
Educate Others: Spread awareness among friends and family about the dangers of Chinese manja. For more on community safety initiatives, see our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:public-safety-campaigns-india].

Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasize the importance of preventing such avoidable injuries through public education and strict policy enforcement [[https://www.who.int/]].

Conclusion: Honouring Tradition Without Sacrificing Lives

The deaths from Chinese manja on Makar Sankranti are a national shame. A festival that should unite communities in joy has become a source of fear and grief. The loss of a doctor, a migrant worker, and others is a call to action for every citizen, policymaker, and law enforcer. We must choose to celebrate our rich traditions in a way that respects life—in all its forms. The time for half-measures is over; a complete and enforced ban on this deadly product is the only acceptable path forward.

Sources

The Times of India. “Doc among 3 killed by Chinese manja on Makar Sankranti.” January 15, 2026.
Legal Correspondent. “Deaths Caused by Chinese Kite String to Be Booked as Culpable Homicide.” Various Indian court reports, January 2026.
Animal Welfare Organizations. “Chinese Manjha: A Threat to Wildlife.” Public advisories, January 2026.
Indore Police Reports. “Deadly Chinese Manja Cuts Throat of a Motorcyclist.” January 10, 2026.
National News Aggregators. “At least four deaths related to nylon kite string…” January 14, 2026.
Hyderabad City Police. “Hyderabad Police intensify drive against banned Chinese manja.” January 12, 2026.
National Green Tribunal. “Report by CPCB in E.A. No. 06 of 2020.” May 5, 2020.
World Health Organization. “Global Status Report on Road Safety.” https://www.who.int/