Makar Sankranti celebrations: Sky lanterns dot the sky

Sky balloon lanterns were the special attraction on Makar Sankranti today with colourful kites dotting the skyline of Pink city and people getting atop their roofs to enjoy the festival.

However, the kite battles pose a threat to birds and NGOs rescued several winged creatures injured by 'manjhas' (strings) this time.

Sanjeev Sankhla, who rescues birds, said over a dozen birds were rescued and treated in the morning hours.

Several kite fliers were seen on roof tops in the walled city since morning while others battled it out from open grounds, challenging each other to duels with the winner taking it all.

The special attraction this season was the sky balloon lantern. Balloons of different shapes, sizes and colours were sold out at most of the shops.

People in large numbers purchased kites and manjhas at traditional kite markets like Handipura and Haldiyon Ka Rasta past midnight.

"Purchasing increased in the last couple of days and was at a peak yesterday. Along with kites and regular products, colourful sky lanterns were a hit among youths this year," a shopkeeper in Rajapark said.

He said kites with pictures of politicians like Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal were also in demand.

Several jubilant children were on the streets to grab kites sailing in the air cut after losing in a duel.