JAIPUR: Makar Sankranti, a festival linked to flying kites during celebrations, witnessed a shift in the political dynamics that reflected in the colorful skies of Jaipur. Contrary to the dominance of seasoned politicians like former CM Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot, and Vasundhara Raje who led the BJP in last two decades, the spotlight this year is on the new Chief Minister, Bhajan Lal Sharma and his two deputy Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa.
Debutant MLA turned CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, emerging as the rising star in the kite world, has taken the center stage in Jaipur’s political kite market during Makar Sankranti this year. The Jaipur market, a major hub for kite flying, has seen a surge in kites featuring the new CM, showcasing the evolving political landscape.
The kite market, deeply rooted in tradition with a history spanning 150 years, continues to hold significance in Jaipur. Prime Minister Modi’s presence remains strong, affirming his enduring status as a political icon in the country.
Abdul Ghafoor Ansari, a 74-year-old resident and kite market artist, unveiled his political kites featuring CM Sharma, Deputy CM Diya Kumari, Premchand Bairwa, and Baba Balmukund Acharya. These unique creations serve as a testament to the changing preferences in political figures - after the recent Assembly elections.
Ansari, with 40 years of experience, crafts kites featuring various leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot, Vasundhara Raje, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. “Actually, this kite looks like a cutout. Only experts can fly it. Every year there is a demand for different leaders in kites,” he says.
This year, Modi and UP CM Adityanath Yogi’s kites are also in high demand, overshadowing the interest in kites featuring Congress leaders, who seem to have disappeared from the Jaipur kite market after the party lost the reins of power in Rajasthan last month. Congress leaders have completely disappeared from the kite markets of Jaipur. Rajkumar, a kite seller from Bareilly, notes the brisk sales of kites with photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Jaipur’s kite-flying tradition traces its roots to Lucknow, with a history dating back 150 years. Maharaja Ram Singh II, from the Jaipur royal family, introduced kites from Lucknow. His passion for kite flying led to the establishment of 36 factories in Jaipur.
Saffron in demand
PM Narendra Modi and UP CM Adityanath Yogi’s kites are in high demand, overshadowing the interest in kites featuring Congress leaders, who seem to have disappeared from the Jaipur kite market after the party lost the reins of power in Rajasthan last month. Kite sellers note the brisk sales of kites with photos of PM Modi and Adityanath, pointing out that there is a demand for different faces on the kites each year, however, BJP seems to be customers’ favourite with the PM’s presence remaining strong.