Urdu Bazar terraces mark Independence Day with kites and carrom

Jama Masjid stood behind a terrace in Urdu Bazar as families flew kites into the evening sky on Independence Day.

The Patang Pech Festival included patangbaazi, fireworks, carrom, tricolour tattoos and calligraphy on miniature kites. Abu Sufiyan Khan, who hosted the gathering through Tales of City, said the aim was to make terrace culture accessible to families without rooftop space of their own. For Class VIII student Krishnav Taneja, it took several attempts before an experienced kite-flyer helped him get his kite airborne.

At another home-terrace event, Azaadi Ki Patangbaazi, students and retired corporate professionals tried kite-flying; some travelled from Gurgaon. The menu included masoor dal pulao, mutton qorma with doodh ka kulcha, zafraan wali roti and paneer khurchan.