Cong Telangana MLA Danam Nagender appeals for people to avoid Chinese manja for Makar Sankranti
Hyderabad, January 13
Congress MLA Danam Nagender on Tuesday appealed to people to refrain from using Chinese manja, citing serious safety concerns amid the ongoing Makar Sankranti celebrations.
Emphasising Telangana's cultural traditions, he said Sankranti symbolises unity and collective celebration.
Speaking to ANI in Hyderabad, Nagender said, "I request everyone to please not use the China manja because it's very dangerous... They (people) have described everything about what Telangana culture is and what the Telangana government guarantees on these kites. I would like to congratulate them, and this is our traditional function. Sankranti is not just for a colour, it is a festival of unity and everything."
Meanwhile, earlier today President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings for Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu, asserting that the festivals are symbols of India's rich agricultural traditions and national unity.
President Murmu also expressed gratitude to nature and thanked the farmer benefactors.
"Heartfelt greetings to all Indians living in the country and abroad on the occasion of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu. These festivals are symbols of India's rich agricultural traditions and national unity. On this occasion, we also express our gratitude towards nature. Through these festivals, we convey our thanks to the farmer benefactors. My best wishes are that these festivals bring happiness and prosperity into everyone's lives," the 'X' post said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended wishes on Lohri and prayed for the happiness and prosperity of the citizens.
"Heartfelt greetings on the festival of 'Lohri', a symbol of enthusiasm, zeal, and new energy. May this festival be a means of happiness and prosperity for all," the 'X' post said.
Magh Bihu, a major harvest festival of Assam, marks the end of the harvest season in Magh and is celebrated with community feasts.
Along with Lohri, Pongal, Sankranti, and Uttarayan, it represents the diverse ways harvest festivals are celebrated across India.
Lohri celebrations, particularly in northern India, are marked by bonfires, traditional foods, and folk songs, adding warmth and joy to the festive season.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartening to see a political leader focus on a practical safety issue during a festival. The message about unity and tradition is also important. Hope people listen and have a safe celebration.
Absolutely correct! Why use Chinese manja when we have our own eco-friendly options? Sankranti is about joy and harvest, not causing harm. Let's keep our traditions and our environment safe. Kudos for speaking up.
While the appeal is good, I wish there was more action along with it. Just requesting isn't enough. The government should strictly ban the sale of Chinese manja and promote local alternatives more aggressively.
The President's message says it all. These festivals connect us to our land and farmers. Flying kites is fun, but let's do it responsibly. Wishing everyone a very happy and safe Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri and Bihu! 🎉
In Hyderabad, the sky during Sankranti is a beautiful sight. Let's not spoil it with dangerous manja. Our elders always used simple thread, and the festival was just as joyful. Time to go back to those roots.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.