Letter From New Delhi

Kite-flying in India: Fun turns lethal with use of outlawed glass-coated nylon strings

Kite-flying is a popular sport in India, especially around Independence Day in August. ST PHOTO: DEBARSHI DASGUPTA
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

NEW DELHI - There is not a bird in sight. What one sees though are more than a hundred kites that dot the cerulean skyline above the Old Delhi neighbourhood.

They are drawn out by the monsoon breeze, soaring above mobile telecommunication towers and Indian flags that flutter atop houses. Families gather below on terraces to enjoy the sunset and watch kites spar like aerial pugilists.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.