Kite Running: Why?
“The streets of the capital, Kabul, are filled with shops
selling kite-flying equipment, and the skies above the city are decorated each
day with hundreds of colorful kites fluttering in the wind."
selling kite-flying equipment, and the skies above the city are decorated each
day with hundreds of colorful kites fluttering in the wind."
Kite running is the ancient hobby of dueling with kites. In Afghanistan it is referred to as “gudiparan bazi”, which translates to flying doll. Considered an old winter tradition, kite flying in Afghanistan is considered a common hobby and a game for many Afghans. It is a form of sport that many also consider to be an art form because of the delicate precision that goes into the construction of each kite. The beautiful designs, various shapes, and the making of the “tar” or wire all coalesce into an artistic competition. Many Afghans participate in kite running or kite fighting because it proves their honor. People of all ages gather to watch the fight and even make bets or wagers. The kite flyer and runner, always in pairs, want to compete and yearn to win against the best kite fighters in their neighborhood. Although, as Hosseini states in his novel The Kite Runner, “the most coveted prize was the last fallen kite of a winter tournament. It was a trophy of honor, something to be displayed on a mantle for guests to admire.”
For young boys, kite running is considered the highlight of the cold season. Excitement heightens as the tournament draws near. As Hosseini describes in his novel The Kite Runner, “I felt like a soldier trying to sleep in the trenches the night before a major battle. And that wasn’t so far off. In Kabul, fighting kites was a little like going to war.” Kite running was a way for many Afghans to escape the daily hardships of being at war and the harsh conditions under the Taliban. It wasn’t long before the Taliban banned kite running because they saw it as being un-Islamic. The Taliban regime, which banned music, television and most other forms of entertainment, had a particular loathing of kite fighting. Gambling is forbidden in Islam. Years later, kite running has finally been re-introduced and many Afghans have returned to this pastime and it has hit new heights of popularity in the country.
Kite running is a long standing tradition encompassing years of customs and rituals that are imperative to Afghanistan’s history. Kite running is an important aspect of Afghanistan’s culture and provides an addicting sport, absorbed by Afghans of all ages, to bring the country together.
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