Kite flying on Makar Sankranti is a cherished tradition in Mumbai and across Maharashtra. But synthetic nylon manja, often called Chinese manja, is strong, sharp and does not break easily. It slits the throats of two-wheeler riders, injures pedestrians and kills thousands of birds. It is banned, and the Bombay High Court has now attached heavy fines to the ban.
The fines
| Who | Fine |
|---|---|
| Anyone found flying a kite with nylon manja | Rs 25,000 (recoverable from the parents if a minor) |
| A vendor found selling or stocking nylon manja | Rs 2,50,000 |
The Bombay High Court fixed these fines on 12 January 2026 in a suo motu public interest litigation (Court on its Own Motion v. State of Maharashtra), noting that despite orders since 2021 the use of nylon manja continued, causing injuries and deaths. The Court directed that unpaid fines be recovered as arrears of land revenue, that the money be used for the treatment of victims, and that police officers be held answerable if incidents occur in their jurisdiction. The ban applies throughout the year, not only during the festival.
Police commissionerates also issue their own prohibitory orders against the manufacture, sale, storage and use of nylon manja around Sankranti.
What is banned
- Synthetic, nylon or plastic-based kite string, including glass-coated synthetic thread.
- Manufacturing, storing, selling, buying and using it.
- Traditional cotton thread is not covered by the ban.
Safety tips
- Use cotton thread only, and fly kites from open grounds, not rooftops without parapets or near power lines.
- Two-wheeler riders can fit neck guards or a protective rod on the handlebar during the kite season.
- Do not try to pull loose kite strings off power lines.
If you see nylon manja being sold or used
- Report to the local police station or dial 112. The Court directed authorities to set up complaint channels, including WhatsApp numbers in many districts.
- Note the shop’s name and location, and take photos if safe to do so.
If someone is injured
- Seek medical help immediately; manja injuries to the neck can be life-threatening.
- Report the incident to the police. Causing injury by a negligent act can attract offences under the BNS, besides the fine.
- Victims have pursued compensation; the High Court has directed authorities to pay compensation in such cases.
Frequently asked questions
My child was caught with nylon manja. Who pays the fine?
The parents, under the High Court’s order.
Is the ban only during Makar Sankranti?
No. The High Court made clear that it applies throughout the year.
See also: Holi rules in Mumbai and Diwali firecracker rules.
Planning ahead? See the festival permissions calendar 2026–27 for dates and when to start preparing, or all festival guides.
Consultations are by appointment. To fix a time, telephone +91 99301 50560 or send a message on WhatsApp.
This guide describes the law as understood in October 2026, based on the Bombay High Court’s January 2026 orders. Check for later orders before Makar Sankranti. It is not legal advice.
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