All About Kites Flying in Dashain Festival – Meaning, Types, Stories, Myths, Reasons and Safety Tips

Dashain flying kites : The one thing that each of us viewed during this great festival, Dashain, is the kites flying anywhere in the sky. Let’s discuss about kites in Dashain festival.

What is the Dashain festival?

Dashain is often alluded to as Bijaya Dashami. It is the biggest and most favorable festival commended in Nepal. It is the longest running festival on the Nepalese calendar and the most notable festivals in Nepal. The Dashain festival is commended for fifteen days during the month of Ashoj (between September and October). 

The celebration observed by the Hindus to commend the victory of good over bad is Dashain. Ram killed the demon Ravana (King of Lanka), the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and Goddess since Durga mercilessly wrecked the devil Mahisasur who was making devastation on the planet as per the Hindu mythology. During this time, the Hindu goddess of triumph, Durga, is particularly revered.

Dashain is not separable from flying kites, swinging on ping, for instance, rote ping and linge ping, getting along with your friends and family, and holding a feast. It’s a reunion and merry-making festival. This festival means much more for kids who wait one year for new clothes and get elderly blessings (and money) from older folks. Individuals spend this festival holiday flying kites and playing on the swings.

Flying kites in Dashain

The one thing that each of us viewed during this great festival, Dashain, is the kites flying anywhere in the sky. If you see here and their kites flying someplace up in the sky, you can undoubtedly figure that Dashain is taking control over the town. Kites in the sky mean Dashain because flying kites has become a convention among the Nepalese.

Flying a kite is likewise an additional ability that needs aptitudes, and even one ought to comprehend the weight of air just as flying techniques. Flying a kite will unquestionably give you the genuine excitement of flying, and the kite will take you to a different spot where you have never been to.

• 89 Happy Dashain Quotes For Family in English

Due to rapid modernization and modern lifestyle, however, the practice of flying kites with the advent of Dashain has steadily taken a backseat. While children are excited about flying kites as a game, grown-ups generally don’t take an interest. The present generation always flies kites in Dashain to signify it as one of the most popular festivals, owing to a hectic schedule or sheer lack of intrigue.

Meaning of the kite

“Changa” (Kite) implies free. As the meaning of the name suggests, it has a fiery power to carry the heart and body to another level. Kites are very thin, light-weighted objects that utilized paper or plastic and balance techniques. Kite is a craft piece with a tie with wings that responds to the air to create a lift and drag mechanism that assists travel high in the atmosphere.

What are the Nepali Kites made up of?

They are made up of materials found exclusively in Nepal: Nepali kites are usually made of hand-made lokta paper. The paper’s resilience makes it the great material for a sturdy Changa, owing to its resistance to moisture, insects, and tearing.

Since the Nepali kites do not come with a tail while buying, some Nepalese people add the tail themselves. The kite flying apparatus comprises of the kite, a wooden roll on either side with two spools that you need to keep in your grasp to stabilize the kite as it flies, referred to as “Lattyain.” In general, the spool has 6000 meters of string.  

The string’s miles, miles and miles are rolled onto the reel. The kite’s string is a combination of compressed glass and thick gum and also equipped with home-based Manja. The power of the kite’s string depends of course on the excellence of mixtures.

Terms used while flying kites:

1) Changa’ (चंगा): Changa means nothing asides from a kite.

2) Dhago’ (धागो): Dhago is the string interfacing the kite to the’ Lattai. ‘ Lattai is a wooden handle where the string is rolled around.

3) Lattai’ (लट्टाई): It is made of a stick around which a barrel shaped groove is formed to carry specially prepared’ Dhago ‘for hundreds of meters. An intensive process, including ‘Majha,’ is the preparation of Dhago.

4) Majha: Majha is generally made from a mix of rice and powdered glass pieces made up of glue. On the thread, this mix is applied. The mix is applied to make the Dhago sharper and better.

The Changa is applied differently for the appearance and better moving. ‘Gwakh’ and ‘Puchchar’ are the two essential things to help better move the kite in the sky.

5) ‘Gwakh: Gwakh’ is a small part of the paper that can be attached to the kite string. It is done to adjust the weight on different sides of the string. When a kite is pulled against the breeze, a completely adjusted kite goes an upward way. If the kite’s way is certifiably not straight, it will presumably require a Gwakh to adjust (balance).

6) A Puchchar or a tail is sometimes added to adjust the kite. For a better flying experience, the tail is utilized both as a decoration and a guide. As the tail sums up the weight, Gwakh is used by the fighter kites instead of a tail.

7) Kakkaa: 

The triangular string connecting the kite with the Dhago is kakkaa. One of the famous terms utilized in kite fighting – ‘Chait.’

8) Chait’ (चैट) implies to finish: – At the point when one kite cuts the line of another kite through its string while at the same time flying, the word is cried in the most intense conceivable voice. The kite takes off with the wrecked string, and ‘Chait’ is shouted by the triumphant kite owner and his partners.

Different types of kites 

The different types of kites are:

1) Diamond Kites

They are perhaps one of the easiest kites to assemble and fly and come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes. To fly well, they almost always need a tail, and even though this is normally given, on the off chance you wish, you can change it or add it to it. 

2) Delta kites

They are similarly as plain as diamonds and make perfect first kites. Again, these triangle-shaped kites come in numerous patterns and an even wider variety of sizes. They are light and easy and simple to fly.

3) Easy-flyer kites

They are a variety of the delta, with tails that are permanently attached. They are ideal for youngsters and are steady to such an extent that they are nearly ensured to fly in everything except the most troublesome conditions. They come in numerous patterns, and they are humorous in some designs.

4) Box Kites

Box kites, with frames with three-dimensional cells, may be rectangular, hexagonal, tetrahedral, or other shapes. Such combinations of shapes provide strong lift and stability.

 5) Parafoil kites:

One distinguishing characteristic of parafoil kites that differentiates them from the previous sorts of kites is that they don’t have a casing. Even as they smash into hard walls, this makes them considerably less liable to crack on impact. They have got good stability.

 6) Dragon kites

Stories and Myths of Dashain flying kites

Dashain is the greatest and biggest festival of Nepalese. There are different stories behind the celebration. Not only Dashain but also flying Kites in Dashain uncovers different stories. Some of them are:

Story no. 1 behind flyging kites in Dashain:

You let your ancestors in heaven realize that you are doing well when you fly the kites in the sky.

It can likewise imply that you remember them.

Story no. 2 behind flyging kites in Dashain: 

In the past, the Kathmandu valley people generally worked in the field, and on occasion, they would fly kites in the field when they had nothing to do. Their behavior caused birds to be troubled, birds had issues with string entanglement, and numerous cuts to recently flying birds.

The degree of mishaps continued to increase. Because of this, birds went to meet the King with a solicitation to take care of their life-threatening issue. There was a long meeting between the individual, the ruler, and the birds, and they ended with a shared consent to fly kites just one time.

It was believed ⠀Summer, winter, or spring would not be the ideal time to fly kites, yet it can be after the Monsoon. After Monsoon, the weather will be mild and gentle and impeccable with a quick breeze to fly kites, for example, during the Dashain-Tihar celebration.

Story no. 3 behind flyging kites in Dashain:

The kites are a way to send a note to Indra, the divine rain god, to avoid the rain because there is no need for more water in the rice fields. Legend has it that during Chait, Dashain was originally celebrated before.

But since farmers during Chaitra were busy in the fields, it was concluded that the festival would be commended after the rainy season when the ranchers would be free. It is additionally accepted that, as the message is to stop the rain, we ought not to fly kites before Asar.

Story no. 4 behind flyging kites in Dashain:

You welcome the powers of goodness and piety when you fly kites, and this brings you good fortune. Kite flying is believed to bring happiness to the family. Legends say the flight of kites carries favorable luck to the family.

Story no. 5 behind flyging kites in Dashain:

Kites guide recently released souls to paradise. It is accepted that when you fly kites, the spirits of individuals and creatures that die on earth find a course towards heaven. The kites get the sky together with the earth, something that no other element can’t do.

The reason behind flying Kites in Dashain?

Some of the reason why we should continue flying kites in Dashain are:

A) Sending the Wishes

Kites are profoundly used to share Dashain’s wishes. At the wonderful time of the year, the message of fellowship and well wishes are conveyed through the colorful and bright kites.

B) Continuing of the Tradition

Flying kites is one of the traditions of the Dashain. We have seen playing kites by our previous generation (father and grandfather). We have learned from them to fly kites in the Dashain.We are likewise teaching our next generations to proceed with the tradition forward while we are flying kites.

The earliest kite flying recorded in the history of Nepal goes back to hundreds of years prior. Playing such a tradition continuing game is the responsibility of every one of us. Besides, it is really exciting and fun. It’s necessary, therefore, to keep playing it.

C) Spiritual Belief

The ability to bind the world to heaven is believed to have been incorporated by kites. The threads of the high-flown kite are a guide to heaven for recently dead animals and humans.

D) Socializing with People

This game is a method of discovering the opportunity to go through it with your friends and family. Likewise, it can also be taking time away from the monotonous life of work and deadlines to spend it with your loved ones.

Typically, flying a kite is a group activity that is fun for any individual of every age and not just kite flyers or catchers and those who watch. It is an outdoor activity that can create competition and have fun and a great time. With the help of such a cheerful event, people can easily connect and communicate.

E) Connecting with Nature

Kite flying, in contrast to working within 4 dividers in an office, helps you to explore and spend some time out in the open. It helps to release the frustrations of working inside the office. Kite flying frees our mind from any stress, causing us to appreciate nature’s excellence.

With the assistance of the infinite sky, it also helps us understand the freedom we have. The individuals would certainly be drawn to the wonder of nature and its spaciousness. An Individual’s mind and body are profoundly benefitted by spending time with nature.

F) Sports and Competitiveness

Presently, individuals are conducting different competitions for kite flying. These tournaments empower individuals to be actively interested in sports.

This encourages people to partake and perform to win the match while additionally appreciating the festivals as well.

G) Generate various Abilities

Anxiety, tension, and depression are found to be minimized by flying kites. In any event, watching a kite fly through will help us forget the pain by reducing our tension.

H) Symbolic Indication

The season is mild when the days begin to get shorter with long nights, signaling the end of rainy before winter. It implies a perfectly favorable temperature. The kites signify the festive mood. It further symbolizes the vibrant mind and happy soul.

I) Prosperity to Family

There is a legendary conviction that flying kites would bring the family good luck and good fortune. Flying kites implies accepting the power of devotion and power of luck. Several evidence indicates that social relations are important for the prosperity of individual health, well-being, and family member.

J) Kite and the Charm of the Kite

The kite is crafted by craftsmanship and science. The same is flying a kite. The inner self inside us can be resurrected by seeing a flying kite giving our mind calm. It can bounce high into the sky, our soul. The colors of the kites and the message they send to each one of us are very enchanting.

Safety Issues while flying Kites?

We hear a ton about mishaps occurring because of indiscreet playing and some accidental misfortunes even in this happy time. Significant outcomes can include:

1) On the off chance that you are flying from heights, primarily the grounds where you are flying may generate various mishaps.

2) Kite string entanglement with electrical power lines can cause various issues, for example, electrocuting.

3) There is a chance that very high-flown kites can cause airspace traffic infringement.

4) Chance of cutting fingers with the string.

11 Tips on flying kites

1. Choosing your Kite.

Diamonds, deltas, and dragon kites fly the best in light to medium winds, whereas stickless parafoil kites and box kites are great for stronger winds. Most kites are all set, and beyond attaching them to your line, they do not have to be assembled.

Like box kites, some kites appear to be a little more difficult to assemble, so pay particular attention to the directions or inquire for assistance from an expert.

2. Figure out how it functions before wandering out 

Flying a kite needs responsibility. It’s much equivalent to taking golf exercises when you get your first arrangement of clubs.

3. Start it effectively. 

Just keep the line in one hand to get the kite noticeable all around, hold the kite up in the other, let the breeze get the kite, and a while later, let go. With the correct kite and the correct breeze, you shouldn’t have to run.

4. The Kite’s landing

Usually, by evenly reeling in the line steadily and uniformly, you may put your kite down. You should help your friend keep the reel as you stroll towards your kite with the line under your arm if it is circling and pulling at you a great deal. This will likewise cut it down.

5. Know about your surroundings

Numerous sports kites will fly as quickly as 100 miles an hour and cause damage. Never jump or plunge over the heads of encompassing people or creatures, or over houses, if you choose to fly this sort of kite.

6. Comprehend who is in charge 

You’re not going to be it. A wrecked kite or erratic breeze blasts can make your kite fly out of your span. On the off chance that this occurs, scream to alert someone who is at possible risk.

7. Avoid other kite flyers

Keep your hands, feet, youths, and pets off others’ kites, lines, and other apparatus.

8. Keep lines separate

Make an effort not to fly your kite sufficiently close to crash into, tangle with, or cut the kite lines of other people. Regardless of whether you’d prefer to do much for the sake of entertainment, it’s not funny.

9. Choose big, open spaces to fly your kite

Good places to fly a kite are parks, the seashore, and open fields. Attempt to abstain from flying your kite close to power lines, houses, highways, airports, and trees. Also, create a distance between yourself and other people in the recreation park if you fly a dual line kite and ensure everyone knows how to remain behind you.

10. Don’t underestimate the power of the wind. 

If you are flying a hard-pulling kite, you should wear gloves. Disregarding how it’s uncommon for canines to assault kites while still noticeable all around before you land your kite, it would be ideal if you ensure there are no canines around. When a kite lands, they are known to flee, yet in specific cases, they have been known to get the kite and escape with it. 

11. Stay Away From Power Lines

If your kite gets caught in the power line, lower the string to the ground, and ask for assistance from the local power company. Try not to attempt to get the kite down yourself. Some power lines hold extremely high voltages on the off chance that they are damp; kite strings or kites can become electricity transmitters. On the off chance that your kite gets tangles on the high voltage power line, you might be slaughtered or truly harmed.

During an approaching storm or in the rain, never fly a kite, as a wet line will conduct electricity. Try not to utilize wire as a flying line. Often follow guidelines for local air safety. Abstain from flying near air terminals in air traffic patterns. Large kites can be risky and need additional care. When flying big kites, wear gloves. A large kite can drag you. Often use a device to release.

Try not to let the line run at a fast pace through your fingers, or hands-it can burn or cut you. On a kite or line, try not to use sharp edges or pointy objects. Do not throw heavy objects at a kite that is stuck. Try to let the kite fly freely on its own instead.