Saffron kites dot the sky as state celebrates Sankranti

Ranchi: Makar Sankranti turned out to be a display of politics, art & craft in Ranchi on Thursday. The morning started with CM Raghubar Das making a political statement by inaugurating Namo Patang Utsav at Argora ground.
Greeting people on the auspicious occasion of Tusu and Makar Sankranti, Das said,"The environmental problems like drought, water scarcity and declining forest cover are the evils of our own making.We must cooperate each other, so that we can come out of deteriorating conditions. To preserve the environment, we have to concentrate on the plantation of trees and smartly manage water resources. The government is promoting rainwater harvesting in the state," Das said.
Numerous saffron kites bearing face of PM Narendra Modi filled the skies at the venue. Youngsters from Kane, Bundu, Tatisilwai and Angara among others, participated in kite flying competitions at the ground.
Meanwhile, the third day of the ongoing Yuvotsav 2016 saw Limca Book of Record holder Ashok Shah present a colourful display of kites at Morhabadi ground. The audience cheered at the display of kites in shapes of tiger, Spiderman, cobra among others. However, it was the series of 100 kites flown by Shah which drew maximum applause from the audience.
Over 400 youngsters participated in kite flying competition - Rang De Basanti - out of which 40 were selected for the the final round which will be held on January 17. "The final three winners will be awarded cash prizes by the chief guest on the occasion," said Ashwani Rajghadia, Round Table India.