Kite running facts for kids
Kite running is an exciting activity where people chase after kites that have been cut loose during kite fighting. When a kite's string is cut, it drifts freely in the sky. The goal of kite running is to catch these drifting kites before they land.
It's a common tradition that whoever catches a cut kite gets to keep it. This makes bigger or more expensive-looking kites very popular targets. Many people will run to try and claim them as a free prize!
What is Kite Fighting?
Kite fighting is a very popular game in many parts of the world. It's especially big in the Indian subcontinent, Afghanistan, Iran, Chile, and Brazil. People enjoy it all year round and during special kite flying festivals.
In kite fighting, people use special strings for their kites. These strings are often coated with powdered glass. The goal is to fly your kite and use its string to cut the string of another person's kite.
The Chase for Kites
When a kite's string is cut in a kite fight, the kite floats away with the wind. It keeps drifting until it finally falls to the ground. This is when kite running begins! People of all ages will run after these kites to try and catch them.
Catching a kite can be tricky. Sometimes, people use long poles or broken tree branches to try and snag the loose string trailing from the kite. This helps them pull the kite down.
Kites can drift very far with the wind. They might land in difficult places like on top of tall trees, electric poles, or even on houses. They can also fall into busy streets or across railway lines, making them hard and sometimes dangerous to reach.
Dangers of Kite Running
While kite running is fun, it can also be risky. People running after kites often look up at the sky and might not notice what's happening around them on the ground.
Some dangers include:
- Traffic accidents: Runners might accidentally step into the path of cars or trains without looking.
- Falls: Trying to climb trees or buildings to get a kite can lead to falls and injuries.
- Collisions: Not looking where you're going in crowded areas can cause you to bump into other people or objects.
The special glass-coated kite strings can also be dangerous. They can cause cuts or injuries to people, birds, or even damage electricity cables if they get tangled. Because of these risks, some places have banned glass-coated kite strings to keep everyone safer. For example, Mumbai banned them in 2016.
See also
In Spanish: Comisión (juego) para niños
