How manja made kite flying dangerous

Kite flying is synonymous with many festivals and celebrations. It is widely believed that kites first became popular in China around 3,000 years ago as materials for kite building such as silk fabric for the sail; fine, high-tensile strength silk for the flying line; and resilient bamboo for a strong and lightweight framework were readily available. Not surprisingly, the kite migrated to different parts of the world and one ancient design — the fighter kite, a small flat diamond-shaped one made of paper with a tapered bamboo spine and a balanced bow — became popular throughout Asia. Instead, the cutting line, traditionally called manja, is coated with an abrasive substance that would cut the opponent’s line. For more than 2000 years, the manja was made of fine pure cotton thread coated with a mixture of rice glue, tree gums and similar natural ingredients and finely powdered glass.