A Grandfather's Kite-Making Traditions

Questions and Answers

What was the color of the original kite that got stuck in the banyan tree?

White, but it had been dyed red with mehendi leaves.

Why did the grandfather think the boy was unable to fly a kite properly?

Because the kite got stuck in the banyan tree.

What was the old man doing when the boy came to him?

He was making a new kite.

What was the color of the new kite the old man made?

Pale pink. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the old man still make kites?

For his own amusement and for his grandson, Ali. Signup and view all the answers

What had happened to the old man's kite shop?

It was sold to a junk dealer. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't people buy kites anymore?

Adults disdained them, and children preferred to spend their money at the cinema. Signup and view all the answers

What had happened to the open grassland near the old fort's walls?

It was swallowed up by the city. Signup and view all the answers

What used to happen when kites tangled with each other?

The string of one kite would be severed, and the defeated kite would float away. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common practice among kite flyers in the old days?

Betting, with money frequently changing hands. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Grandfather's Kite Shop

The grandfather used to own a kite shop but it was sold to a junk dealer.
Despite this, he still makes kites for his own amusement and for his grandson, Ali.

The Grandfather's Memories

The grandfather remembers a time when grown men flew kites and engaged in "kite battles".
These battles involved kites tangling with each other until one's string was severed, freeing the kite to float away.
There was a lot of betting involved in these kite battles, with money frequently changing hands.

The Relationship Between the Grandfather and Ali

The grandfather is too old to teach Ali how to fly a kite properly.
Ali is given a new kite by his grandfather, promising not to lose it and claiming it will fly like a bird.
Ali shows affection to his grandfather by kissing his hollowed-out cheek.

The Changes in the City

The city has encroached upon the open grassland that used to stretch from the old fort's walls to the river bank.
As a result, there are not many open spaces left for flying kites.
Adults no longer appreciate kites, and children prefer to spend their money at the cinema.

Description

A story about a grandfather sharing his kite-making skills with his grandchild, reminiscing about the old days and teaching new techniques. The grandfather reflects on the changing times and his own aging, but still finds joy in making kites for his grandchild.