Kites incribed with couplets of Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi dotted the Pink City skyline along with thousands of others as Shabana Azmi, husband Javed Akhtar and Jaipur-born actor Irrfan Khan joined in Makar Sankranti celebrations on Monday.
The occasion marking the sun’s journey northwards and also the birth anniversary of Shabana’s late father was used to spread the message that “despite changes in society, we should carry forward our old, rich culture and traditions”, her husband poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar said.
Around 2,000 colourful kites with couplets of the famous poet inscribed on them were distributed at a function at Jawahar Kala Kendra organised by the three and Dharam Sajjan Trust.
Irrfan, who grew up here, said “usually despite my hectic schedule, I make it a point to come home on Makar Sankranti and from the terrace of my ‘mama’s’ house fly kites. But, this one is special as where ever these kites go, they will spread the message of peace through the immortal lines of Kaifi sahib”.
Irrfan and Shabana were seen on the rooftop of the Kendra enthusiastically flying kites and also lending a helping hand to some others.
Javed said, “people nowadays campare our traditions with the present culture but we should get the best of both worlds. We should learn new things, new customs, new music, everything but also preserve the older ones”.
Ajay Chopra of the Trust said the idea was to popularize values through the medium of kites.
Article from DNA INDIA
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