‘I Was Fighting for My Life’: Sharp Kite ‘Manjha’ Injures Pune Woman Ahead of Makar Sankranti, Viral Video Sparks Outrage
‘I Was Fighting for My Life’: Sharp Kite ‘Manjha’ Injures Pune Woman Ahead of Makar Sankranti, Viral Video Sparks Outrage
Sharp kite strings, commonly known as manjha, are a hidden danger on the streets during festival season—and for Pune resident Tanya Poddar, that danger became all too real. In a viral Instagram video, Tanya described a terrifying incident that left her with cuts, burns, and lasting trauma, all caused by a glass-coated kite thread while she was returning home from work.
The incident occurred on 2 January, just a few hundred metres from her residence, as Tanya was crossing a bridge—a part of her daily commute. She suddenly felt a string tighten around her neck. Thinking it was harmless at first, she soon realized it was an extremely sharp manjha, capable of causing serious injury. Her repeated attempts to free herself left her with a stitched finger and friction wounds on her neck. Tanya said that even a slightly deeper cut could have damaged her vocal cords. She later received medical treatment at a nearby hospital but admitted that the emotional trauma has lingered. “I was struggling for my life,” she recalled in the video.
What has added to public outrage is her claim that the kite was being flown from the bridge itself—an act many called reckless, especially in areas with heavy foot and vehicular traffic. While she respects the cultural importance of kite flying during Makar Sankranti, Tanya urged people to celebrate responsibly, avoiding locations that endanger others.
Tanya also pointed out that sharp manjha, often coated with glass or other abrasive materials, is banned under orders from the National Green Tribunal, yet continues to be used widely. “Festivities should never put lives at risk,” she said, asking people to share her video to raise awareness about the hazards.
Social media users responded with shock and support, sharing similar experiences. One user commented, “OMG… the government must BAN these sharp threads or any glass-coated items that can harm the public. My friend faced the same danger while riding her two-wheeler. She was lucky but still suffers while talking or swallowing. Authorities must take strict action.” Another wrote, “That’s terrifying. I hope you’re okay. People really need basic civic sense.”
The video has reignited debates over public safety, enforcement of existing bans, and the responsibility of citizens during festivals. Many tagged local authorities and traffic police, demanding stricter oversight to prevent similar incidents.
Tanya’s frightening encounter is now a cautionary tale while she survived, the risk posed by sharp manjha remains real. Her message is clear—festive celebrations should be joyful, not life-threatening, and greater awareness and accountability are essential to protect the public.
