‘Nobody sees our hard work’: Meet the people behind India’s colourful kite culture

Delhi's Lal Kuan district becomes a kaleidoscope of kites during the Independence Day season, with kites hanging from cables, displayed on walls, and sold in shops. One such shop belongs to Mintoo Lal, a kite-maker who, along with his nephew Ankit, crafts intricate kites featuring pop culture references and celebrity selfies. Lal and Ankit operate in a cramped room, with Ankit setting up new designs almost methodically like a machine.

Lal's wife explains that the family members handle different aspects of kite-making, from crafting to adding finishing tapes. However, despite the popularity of kites, the makers struggle with financial challenges. An average kite-maker earns only Rs 200-500 per day for producing around 1,000 kites, and they often take loans to make their journey to Delhi.

The kites are sold at higher prices outside the kite-makers' colony, causing a profit for sellers while leaving the makers struggling. Despite the hardships, kite-making remains a full-time job for Bismil, who started at the age of eight. He laments the under-appreciation of their work, explaining that people want to fly kites but desire them at low prices.

Some kite-makers have even quit the craft due to the discouraging financial situation. However, Bismil is determined to adapt and innovate, creating new designs to meet the demands of new kite-fliers.