Kite Making - Gujarat
Manja Making (the kite flying string):
Cotton thread available in local market is used to make the Manjaa. The threads are available from three cords to twelve cords. For Manjaa, artisans use four to six cords thread.
Two poles are fixed from one end to the other. The uncolored thread is looped between the two poles as several layers. The combination of Kanji (cooked rice), glue, colors, and glass powder is mixed with water to get like semi solid dough. Lime stone (Mukhar ghaj) and few local ingredients called Isbole ki bhusi and soap is added to the dough to sustain the richness of the color. Then the semi-solid color dough is applied to the entire length of the threads. The process is done for three to four times to enhance the color and to give even shade.
After coloring the threads are rolled on the firkhi. Coloring of the thread is done in two types.
• Either the dough is directly applied on white thread or,
• The thread is first dyed in color water and then dough is applied on the dyed thread.
This makes the thread more strong and sharp.
