• M. Kamakshi Kanchana

Dhoolpet Hyderabad is the home of artisans who specialize in Ganesha idols and kites. Few families are still engaged in the craft of making paper kites. Designs are several decades old and know-how is passed from parents to children. Kite flying is a tradition and culture of Hyderabad. It is a seasonal sport during the Makara Sankranti festival around January 15th every year and usually, the season lasts for two months. Urbanization and high-rise buildings have drastically reduced the available space for flying kites. The Spread of mobile phones and video games has lured children away from outdoor sports leading to a lack of patronage for kite flying. Imported plastic kites and kite thread (manja) are capturing the market share and forcing traditional artisan families to abandon their craft. This paper attempts to document the aesthetic and design features of traditional Dhoolpet kites to preserve the rich tradition. The tradition of making and flying kites has a history dating back thousands of years. From an aerodynamics perspective, the study of the kites by the Wright brothers is a precursor to their invention of aeroplane. Kites apart from a sporting perspective, their study can inspire students and enhance their understanding of flying objects. This paper attempts to capture the design details from an aerodynamics perspective. Understanding parameters like wind speed and terrain can extend the kite flying season throughout the year. Detailed drawings given in the paper will help to make kites with locally available material. Encouraging new enthusiasts to take kite flying will go a long way in helping the artisans to produce more and preserve their traditional art. Kites with vibrant colors can also be used as wall murals and beautiful wall hangings can be designed. Incorporating handmade kites and kites designs as part of interior design will open new vistas to patronize the craft. This paper also documents the best practices around the world to encourage kite flying as a sport.

Dhoolpet Kites, kite design, kite flying, the aerodynamics of kites, kite clubs, kite museums

"Dhoolpet Kites design and aesthetics – A practical approach to preserve and sustain the tradition", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 3, page no.c643-c651, March-2023, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2303273.pdf

"Dhoolpet Kites design and aesthetics – A practical approach to preserve and sustain the tradition", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 3, page no. ppc643-c651, March-2023, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2303273.pdf