In some parts of India Uttarayan is synonymous with kite-flying. Usually celebrated around the 14th of January, the day sees throngs converging on terraces to fly their kites. Preparation for this however, starts months in advance, with people customizing their manja (string used to fly a kite) and what not. The manja is made such that it can cut another’s kite. Unfortunately, that’s not the only thing it cuts.

Scores of birds end up wounded or dead because of the manja. If it doesn’t get them on the day of the festival, it gets them later when it hangs from trees and they are mangled in it. We are not here to tell you what you should and shouldn’t do, but we will make an appeal- If you find an injured bird that has either been cut or has been mangled, sustained any injuries or cannot seem to fly, please don’t turn a blind eye.

There are many of us willing to tend to them, but we can’t always get around. All you have to do is catch the bird and bring it to a said location. There are also helpline numbers you can call and volunteers will be present to help and take the bird.

Dheel de. Be kind.

If you stumble upon a bird injured during Uttarayan (the kite flying festival), here’s some steps you can follow to help them out. Also on the flyer, are helpline numbers for Ahmedabad. Contact Jivdaya Charitable Trust and they will be happy to aid you.