Surat man design stringless, wind-free kite to end deadly accidents on Uttrayan

Surat | Gujarat — How about flying a kite up in the sky without using the deadly manja (string) or waiting for the winds to blow? Yes, you  heard it right as a researcher from Surat has offered a revolutionary solution to one of the festival’s deadliest problems—fatal kite strings that injure birds and claim human lives every year. Vicky Vakharia, along with a team of three friends, has designed a kite that flies without string and without wind, redefining how the traditional festival can coexist with safety and environmental responsibility.

Unlike conventional kites tethered by sharp strings, Vakharia’s invention is fully remote-controlled, eliminating the risk posed by glass-coated manja. The innovation allows the kite to fly freely in the sky, perform aerial stunts and even glow at night like a butterfly, turning the celebration into a visual spectacle without endangering lives.

“Every year during Makar Sankranti, we celebrate joyfully, but the same strings end up injuring birds and innocent people,” Vakharia said. “We wanted a permanent and modern solution. That’s how the idea of a stringless kite was born.”

The inspiration struck after the team read repeated news reports about birds being maimed and two-wheeler riders suffering fatal neck injuries due to sharp kite strings.

“We were deeply disturbed. We asked ourselves—can a kite fly without a string? That single question started our journey,” he recalled.

The project soon turned into months of intense research and experimentation by Vakharia and his teammates—Bhavesh Gosai, Pratham Mawapuri and Parth Lakdia. Balancing the kite without wind or string proved challenging initially, but persistence paid off. Today, the team has successfully developed four different designs, with over 15 stringless kites already built. Each kite costs approximately ₹40,000–45,000 to manufacture.

What sets this kite apart is its technical sophistication. It can remain stable in still air, move in any direction, and perform complex stunts such as loops, rolls and dives—maneuvers impossible with traditional kites. Integrated lighting transforms it into a glowing aerial display at night, drawing crowds wherever it flies.

“This is not just a kite; it’s a fusion of technology and human emotion,” Vakharia said. “Our aim is to provide entertainment along with safety.”

The innovation has earned international acclaim. The team has showcased the Surat-made kite at international festivals in Indonesia, Singapore and China, winning a silver prize twice at the International Kite Festival in China. In Indonesia, their achievement reached a proud moment when they got the opportunity to fly kites and discuss the technology with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.