Manja' makers look forward to soaring profits

With kites set to soar in the skies, ‘manja' makers of the old city are hoping for some good times and an increase in their income as well.

The Sankranti festival less than a month away, makers of ‘manja', thread toughened with a series of steps and used to as a key accessory in kite fighting, are busy these days. Along Moti Nala near Dabeerpura Darwaza, a group could be seen engaged with their paraphernalia in ‘manja' production.

“We prepare the traditional ‘manja' but our product is threatened by the invasion of what is called ‘Tangus' or ‘Wire' manja,” laments one. For last couple of years, the ‘Tangus manja' has made big forays into kite flying and comes with a thread that is much more firm and priced higher.

Some describe it as a ‘China market product' but others say it was being prepared in large quantities in Delhi and Punjab and sent across the country. “It is no good compared to us. I challenge anyone for a duel with my ‘manja' and let's see which one fares better,” says Zulfeqar Hussain ‘Manjewale', a senior in the field.

While the local product is available at Rs.5 per ‘gheeti', a measure of around 35 metres, the ‘Tangus' is offered in the range of Rs.20 to Rs.40 per ‘gheeti'. 

There are more than 100 families in the old city spread across Dabeerpura, Purani Haveli, Gulzar Houz, and Dhoolpet engaged in ‘manja' making.

“Earlier, we used to prepare about 2.5 lakh metres of manja but now demand is so badly affected that we are just restricting it to 50,000 metres,” says Zulfeqar. 

Two wooden pillars are erected at a distance of about 40 metres and lengths of thread are tied between them. Then, the ‘masala' is applied to the entire length two to three times and left to dry. The ‘masala' is prepared with glass pieces, rice, ‘dalchini' and glue that are ground together, sieved and mixed with different colours, explains Chotu of Mohammed Iqbal & Sons Manja and Patang. 

Take By: The Hindu News