Kites with messages of Safe Drive Save Life distributed among Kolkatans

Kolkata: Colourful kites with Safe Drive Save Life slogans embossed on them were a unique sight on Viswakarma Puja, which was celebrated in Kolkata on Monday.

Kite flying is an important feature of the occasion and is associated with Viswakarma Puja in Kolkata.

Around 2,000 coloured kites were distributed among people by Medical Bank, as a part of the Safe Drive Save Life programme, an initiative taken by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to bring down the number of road accidents. Earlier, Medical Bank had distributed rakhis among people with Safe Drive Save Life slogan. The rakhis were distributed among the people at important road intersections.

It may be mentioned that Mamata Banerjee has urged all the clubs to come forward and spread the awareness on safe driving.

D Ashis, general secretary of Medical Bank, said the organisation had decided to distribute kites among people taking part in kite-flying on Viswakarma Puja. "We will have to create awareness among people about proper driving," he said.

Kite-flying was introduced by Nawab Wajed Ali Shah who left Lucknow and settled down at Metiabruz. Over the years, Metiabruz became a mini Lucknow. The Nawab was an expert in kite-flying. He came in contact with many Bengali aristocrats, who picked up the sport from him. Apart from Viswakarma Puja, kites are also flown on Makarsankranti Day, last day of the month Pous according to the Bengali calendar.