A Different Freedom Kite Flying in Western India : Culture and Traditions

Kite flying is a sport native to South-East Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Symbolic of both freedom and control, the kite has been used as a metaphor in classical Indian literature, poetry, language and folklore. Uttarayan, a kite festival celebrated in the state of Gujarat, is not merely a religious observance, but also a time when young and old come together in celebration; a time when differences hold little meaningâ ] The culture of flying and fighting kites, its history, politics, language, and the commerce that lies at the core of the Gujarati way of life provide an interesting backdrop to the celebration of Uttarayan. The buying of kites, preparations in the kitchen and the rooftop wars all form a part of this colourful festival. A Different Freedom explorers the world of the kite, as it travels and changes through the centuries, to its current form and the festivities associated with it in modern day Gujarat.