Come July 20th and the Bali skies will be full of kites in various forms and sizes. Every year Bali plays host to the International Kite Festival which attracts kite enthusiasts from all around the world. People witnessing the event for the first time are usually left awestruck at the beauty and also the sizes of the kites on display. Almost all kites are made from plastic and bamboo and are usually tied to a tree or a rock and left to sail with the tradewinds with a monofilament line. At the festival, large groups of teams gather, carrying humongous size kites hoping to take home the coveted trophy.Teams usually consist of about 50-80 people and each team has their own outfits, flyers, band and flag bearers. It really is quite remarkable. The kites are some times so large, that they act as a shade for the teams, during the day.
The traditional Bali kites are called BEBANS. They are usually 40 -50 feet and have two hummers on them, facing in opposite directions. The Balinese say one is male and the other female which leads to the belief that the humming noise bring harmony to the rice fields and in the bedroom. These kites are in the colours red, black, white and gold/yellow, which symbolise the traditional colours of the Hindu deities. Each kite is made by a local temple usually two months before in order to give it time for testing and amending. When kites are launched, the team bands rev up the sound and cheering ensues.
There are also large bamboo poles placed which act as windmills to help the fliers in determining the speed and direction of the wind. There is also a prize for the on that makes the best sort of sound.Quite remarkable when you really come to think of it.
The most impressive of the traditional kites however, is the DRAGON or JANGGAN kite. What is remarkable about this kite is the 300 feet tail made of cotton attached to the kite.
Then, there are the most incredible sites of kites one can see. They come in various shapes and sizes and seem to be of various forms, such as transport, animals, birds, etc. It is clear to see the intensity and degree to which the people have incorporated ritual, community, teamwork, and art in to the kite craft.
For those who visit Bali, must catch the Kite Festival if they can as it truly is a sight to behold.
