All You Need to Know about Kites in Bali
Flying kites in Bali marks the peak of the dry season when the wind blows strongly. During this season, the pelayang (a term for kite hobbyists) have started to fly their kites which have been a part of Balinese culture for hundreds of years. These hobbyists are also often referred to as Rare Angon. Find out more about kites in Bali in this article:
History of Kite in Bali
In Bali, people call the act of flying kites "melayangan," and it is closely connected to the ancient story of Rare Angon. Rare Angon is believed to be the God of Kites in Balinese culture. Legend has it that during the kite season or after the harvest, Rare Angon comes down to Earth. He carries a flute, which he plays to summon the wind.
Rare Angon is anybody who is enthusiastic about making and flying kites in Bali.
Photo from Canva
Apart from the mythical tale, flying kites is a popular activity among farmers and shepherd boys after the harvest season. They take advantage of this time to fly kites in the freshly cut rice fields while taking care of their animals.
The term "Rare Angon" can be understood as a shepherd boy. It perfectly describes the cultural context in which this tradition developed, with children playing the role of shepherds while playing the kites.
Various Shapes of Kites in Bali
Balinese people have a rich tradition of creating various types of kites. These kites can be classified into three main traditional shapes in Bali. However, over time, Balinese people have also embraced a free and creative approach, crafting kites in the form of cars, ships, and even popular characters and public figures in 3D. While the possibilities are endless, we will focus on the three traditional types that are frequently made for competitions:
Bebean
The bebean kite, named after the Balinese word for "fish" (be), is crafted in the shape of a fish. This kite features a head, body, legs, and kepes (also known as gleber), which are flag-like pieces of cloth on its right and left sides. In larger sizes, the bebean kite may also incorporate a sound element called guwangan.
Guwangan consists of a thin wooden stick fastened with plastic or rattan ribbon, forming a semi-circular structure. When the wind blows, the plastic or ribbon produces a distinct sound.
Bebean is the fish-shaped variant of Balinese traditional kites.
Photo from Canva
During competitions, judges evaluate the bebean kite based on its ngelog, which refers to the harmonious left and right motion. Additionally, the combination of colors, the balanced shape of the head, body, legs, kipasan kepes, and the sound of guwangan are all essential factors in the assessment.
Different regions have their own unique styles and characteristics of bebean kites. Examples of these styles include Badung, Denpasar, and Sanur styles.
Janggan
Janggan, which translates to "dragon," derives its name from the dragon-head shape found at the tip of the kite. This particular kite is easily recognizable due to its exceptionally long tail. When we say long, we mean it's truly lengthy. On average, Janggan kites measure around tens to a hundred meters in length.
Janggan kite is the highlight and most anticipated kite in the Bali Kite Festival.
Photo from Canva
In 2016 however, the Layangan Naga Raja (dragon king kite) set a record with a wingspan of 11.3 meters and a staggering length of 250 meters, equivalent to a quarter of a kilometer. Its weight is equally astonishing, reaching 707 kg or 1558 pounds.
It comes as no surprise that Naga Raja requires assistance from numerous vehicles to transport its components to the flying site, along with hundreds of people to launch, maneuver, and control it. The majestic kite last graced the skies in 2019, and its banjar (community organization) has decided to temporarily retire the kite indefinitely.
Pecukan
The pecukan kite is the simplest in shape compared to other traditional kites. However, despite its simplicity, the process of creating this kite is the most intricate because it requires extremely precise balance on both sides of the kite. Not just anyone or undagi (kite maker) can craft Pecukan type.
Pecukan kite is more simple in appearance but has the most demand for its creation.
Photo by Budiadyana on denpasarnow.com
Its shape is similar to the body of the janggan kite, with the only distinction being the frame. The body of the janggan kite has a round shape, while the pecukan kite is semicircular. Another distinguishing feature is that the tip of the pecukan kite needs to be twisted.
Flying the pecukan kite also requires a certain level of expertise. The person handling the kite (nunjuk) must have a deep understanding of the wind's strength. This kite is highly sensitive to gusts of wind, making it necessary to be mindful of the wind conditions while flying it.
Bali Kite Festival
This event, which has gained international recognition, is usually held by the Denpasar city government or various art communities in Bali. The kite festival is typically held in the Sanur area, either in Padanggalak or Pantai Mertasari. Due to the remarkable success and growing enthusiasm over the years, the Belega Layang-Layang Club (BALAC) has decided to join the trend and organize a similar event in Gianyar on July 22-23, 2023.
Teams participating in the competition represent various seka (kite community) and banjar (community organizations) from different areas. It is astonishing to witness the size of these teams, with an estimated count of 70-80 people on a single team, each having their distinct responsibilities. These include logistics management, handling the gamelan (traditional instrument), carrying the flags, and, of course, flying the kites.
Bali Kite Festival in Mertasari Beach, Sanur.
Photo by Johannnindito Adisuryo on Wikimedia Commons
Before and after the kites take flight, a ritual ceremony is conducted to purify the kites and offer prayers or mantras as an expression of gratitude for the abundant harvest. Even as the kites gracefully soar through the sky, the recitation of prayers continues, accompanied by the melodious sounds of the gamelan baleganjur.
In conclusion, the art of kite flying in Bali is more than just a recreational activity; it is a vibrant reflection of the island's rich cultural heritage. It is a testament to the creativity, skill, and deep-rooted traditions of the Balinese people. So, the next time you visit Bali, don't miss the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of kite flying in Bali. Salam Rare Angon!
