Say no to Chinese manja this Sankranti: Humane World for Animals

Humane World for Animals India urges citizens to celebrate a cruelty-free Sankranti by using cotton manja instead of dangerous glass-coated or synthetic threads. Violating Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023 can lead to fines or imprisonment.

Hyderabad: Animal protection organisation, Humane World for Animals India (formerly called Humane Society International) has appealed to the public to celebrate a compassionate and cruelty-free Sankranti festival by saying no to illegal glass-coated, synthetic manja and using original manja like cotton threads.

The organisation also urged citizens to report the sale or use of such manja to local authorities. Under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023, using Chinese manja is a punishable offence, carrying a fine of up to Rs 5,000 or imprisonment for up to one year.

---

Dr Piyush Patel, veterinarian and director of street dog programme at Humane World for Animals India, said: “A festival rooted in warmth, joy, and togetherness should never become a cause of fear or harm. Returning to cotton manja is a simple yet powerful way to honour our traditions while choosing safety and compassion for all.”