This doesn't fit into RC (well they are Remotely Controlled  ) but they definitely fit into India. Hence I'm taking the liberty of posting this thread on RCINDIA.

I haven't flown kites for many many years now and I REALLY miss the experience and thrill. The last experiences were in Calcutta - 20 years ago. Assam is devoid of kites and I haven't seen a single one in the last decade. I would like to buy some. Are there any kind hearted souls who would be willing to courier me some? I am willing to pay for the services involved. Each consignment has to be layered in stiff cardboard to avoid any damage in transit.

To start off, I am looking for 10 or 20 kites and some string. Standard, Diamond shapes, good quality paper. In the good old days, the better quality paper was known as 'Australian paper' - I wonder why?

Pl PM me your offers.

Thanks and regards,

VC - Still trying to keep in touch with days gone by.........

VC sir, why not make ur own kite? My friends n me made a kite about 2 months back n had a blast flying them at the beach.. The last time i made a kite before this must have been atleast 12 years back.. We all felt like little kids again! There is no greater joy than to see your own creation take to the skies

Quote from: medicineman1987 on August 06, 2010, 11:46:01 PM
We all felt like little kids again! There is no greater joy than to see your own creation take to the skies

You may be right Sir, but I am trying to relive a memory. The memory of buying a kite after flexing it vertically and horizontally - and then holding it vertically and rubbing it on your head to give it the 'correct' aerodynamic camber!

I want some ready made kites so that I can test them and do the same again. Building them is easy, I am yearning for a bit of nostalgia. Help me if you can/will.

Regards,

VC

Quote from: VC on August 06, 2010, 11:53:24 PM
The memory of buying a kite after flexing it vertically and horizontally - and then holding it vertically and rubbing it on your head to give it the 'correct' aerodynamic camber!

Oh we didn't go into so much detail..  We just went out, got some bamboo, n built a kite.. actually my friends father saw us struggling with the kite n pretty much took over  His mother just stood there saying "yeh umaar hai kya patang udaneki??" 

Do you get ready made kites in Goa? Have you seen any being sold in shops?

Haven't seen any lately.. but they used to sell them in the market earlier during some festivals.. I will ask some of my friends if they know anyone who makes them.. If I find any information will surely get in touch with you

Thanks a ton! I will wait eagerly. Good night.

VC boss!
If you need the best Kites!
there is a shop in Bandra West just near the Linking road, its like a lil shop with kites of all sizes and shapes hanging!
I suppose you call out to some Mumbai guys who can help you on this!
I even seen a eagle shaped kite there!! + manja also available, I dunno if the PETA guys took away his manja, but the kites should be there!!

Dorwin

VC the best way to get good kites would be if u can get help from some one living in gujrat... its a mecca for kites... i tried buying some kites in delhi and they were almost twice the price for the kites as well as for the manjha... but i will surely check if some kites available in my location and the price and let u know accordingly

Thanks guys. Kites and manja are available much closer to home in Kolkata. I just need someone who will take the trouble of procuring, packing and couriering them to me.

I think if you want to buy kites online then this is the place:
I think they are the same people who have that famous kite shop in Mumbai, not sure though!

link here: http://www.kitecentre.com/index.htm

Thank you! Thanks a ton!

Wow! nice selection of kites on that site.. VC sir, keep us informed if u buy any kites from them..

Are manjhas still legally sold?
anyways, I remember the times when I was a teenager, buying kites and having huge awesome kite fights! it used to be like an army aliens tryin to kill each other over our skies,  remember making manjha using turmeric powder, crushed soda bottle and boiled sabu dana..aaah...those were the wright brothers control flight rc days!

Quote from: controlflyer on August 07, 2010, 03:43:35 PM
Are manjhas still legally sold?
anyways, I remember the times when I was a teenager, buying kites and having huge awesome kite fights! it used to be like an army aliens tryin to kill each other over our skies,  remember making manjha using turmeric powder, crushed soda bottle and boiled sabu dana..aaah...those were the wright brothers control flight rc days!

Now, I am feeling nostalgic!. I have done lots of kite fights. Still remember the techniques for kite fighting. Would love to try it sometime later. Believe me, it IS quite a skill.

I am pretty sure manjha thread is still sold in Chennai. (Washermanpet area).

-Ismail

Wow an awesome topic VC.
Well i used to stay in a defence colony earlier. The place was HUGE, with lots and lots of space. I still remember those days very well. About 12 or 13 of us in a gang all in 1st to 5th std range. We used to make many kites, and fly them from out roof tops.
First we would tie the kite to the spool of string and throw it on the roof. Then fill our pockets with fine mud to test the breeze once we get to the top. There were no stairs so we had to climb trees to get there .! I'v fallen so many times! On the way up we used to pluck guavas and jamoons to eat when we fly. The one on top would test the wind first then instruct the one standing down as to how to hold the kite for launch. One person down was needed to retrieve the kites in case they get cut. The houses were not close to each other so any communication ment shouting at the top of our voice
It was always a competition to see how many kites one would win. Let me explain - on sundays our group would fly our kites around 4pm (after our parednts were satisfied that we had studied enough for the day) , the civilian boys (thats what we used to call anyone outside the defence colony) would see out kites and fly theirs. We used to try to cut their string with our kites and vice versa. Once a kite was cut both the groups would run behind it to take posession. If it falls inside the colony it was ours and if it falls outside it was theirs.
My uncle was very good at this. He taught me a lot - how to test kites before buying, how to kake kites and string etc. It used to be such a joy to fly with him!
We used to make our own string with excess glass powder to make it easier to cut the other string. Our entire group had cuts in our hands - we were like soldiers, ready to take the pain All our kites were made with broomsticks, the common white plastic cover or paper. We even used newspaper.
Everytime we were outside the colony we always try to spot the civilian kite flyiers. Oue enemey Gosh those days were awesome!!!

Please have a look at some recently held kite festivals in Kerala for the first time.  

This one held at my native place,
http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_life/2010-05-03/957219699460.html

this at my residing place and was a spectator

I am,
Born and brought up in Kite city, Kolkata Specially in Metiabruz (Exports Fighter Kites all over the world and even in china too). VC Dont upset, I am ready and tomorrow is Sunday. Viswakarmapuja is coming.
================================================================
Kite is the BASIC of RC (the string control) and mother of aeroplane so should be here.
RC = Remote Control and not Radio Control.
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All bamboo are not suitable for a good kite. The knot are needed so far to make the bend sticks of Fighter kites. The sticks are sometimes kept in Hot air to make tension and prepare for the good fighting. The tension as well as damping of the cross-spar givs rigidity and a good kite-flier should fly in reverse of slow wind on demand to attach a free kite (Bhoo-Katta).

Good quality fighting thread consist of Glass dust, Boiled Rice Starch, boiled Saboodana, Color and sometimes Marbel dust & other chemicals too. The thinner the covering, better would be the fighting string(Manjaa).

For enthusists, The following link given for different kites. But absent of the bending to aerodynamic shape as stated by VC (Chegda).
http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/spring/kites/25kites.htm

Dont hesitate, I shall send you soon and make you nostalgic.

I found the best paper that is used in Hot air paper balloon and I have still near a dista(24 Pc). White and strong enough.
At present Plastic papers(Rejected printed) are extensively used that don't damage in rain.

Thanks

Kalyan, thanks a lot for the info. It was great talking to you yesterday. I am only interested in traditional paper (Australian paper) kites. You may send me one or two plastic paper kites, but the rest should be traditional.

Pl let me have your bank account details and the expected price for 25 kites + ordinary flying string inclusive of courier charges. Please take your time, I am in no great hurry.

Warm regards,

VC