Making an Indian fighter kite, also known as a “patang,” can be a fun and engaging activity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make one:

Materials you will need:

Bamboo sticks or thin wooden dowels
Thin, lightweight and flexible plastic sheet (such as polyethylene or Mylar)
String or kite flying line
Glue or adhesive tape
Scissors
Marker or pen
Decorative materials (optional)
Instructions:

Frame Preparation:

Take four bamboo sticks or wooden dowels of equal length. These will serve as the frame of your kite.
Use a marker or pen to mark the halfway point on each stick.
Cross two sticks over each other at the halfway point to form a right angle. This will create the vertical and horizontal spars of your kite.
Secure the intersection of the sticks by tying them together or using adhesive tape. Make sure they are tightly connected.

Bridle Assembly:

Cut a piece of string, approximately 2-3 times the length of the kite’s width.
Attach one end of the string to the top of the vertical spar.
Attach the other end of the string to the midpoint of the horizontal spar, creating an X shape.
Tie the string tightly, ensuring that the string is taut but not overly stretched.
Sail Attachment:

Lay the plastic sheet on a flat surface and place the frame on top of it.
Cut the plastic sheet around the frame, leaving a 2-3 inch border on all sides.
Fold the edges of the plastic sheet over the frame and secure them by gluing or taping them to the bamboo sticks. Make sure the plastic is taut and wrinkle-free.
Reinforcements (optional):

If desired, you can reinforce the kite by adding additional bamboo sticks or dowels diagonally across the sail. These will help improve stability and durability.
Attach the reinforcement sticks by gluing or taping them to the frame and sail.

Tail and Decorations:

Cut long strips of lightweight material (such as plastic or fabric) to create the kite’s tail. Attach them to the bottom end of the kite for added stability.
Optionally, you can decorate the kite using paints, markers, or colorful tape. Let your creativity shine!
Once your Indian fighter kite is complete, you can attach the flying line or string to the bridle and take it out for a fun-filled flying experience. Remember to choose an open area away from trees and power lines to ensure safety.

Enjoy the thrill of flying your homemade kite, and have a fantastic time participating in the ancient art of kite-fighting!