Sankranti kite-flying celebrations in Hyderabad are overshadowed by concerns over Chinese manja, a glass-coated monofilament thread. While kite-making remains a vibrant cottage industry in areas like Dhoolpet, the non-biodegradable manja has caused fatal accidents involving vehicles and birds since 1975. Authorities are conducting inspections and warning shopkeepers against stocking this dangerous thread, shifting the festive mood from joy to unhappiness.