Bali Kite Festival
Bali Kite Festival A Celebration of Tradition and Community
Bali Kite Festival – Every year, the Balinese turn their eyes and hearts to the sky to watch, create, or compete in the ancient Bali Kite Festival. An integral part of Bali’s vibrant culture, the Bali Kite Festival always attracts a fantastic spotlight with its tradition and grandeur. The event gathers participants from different districts performing their best skills in designing kites, competing with each other, and showing their fantastic models. Initially, this event was only a community holiday, but now it has become an event held for tourism purposes. In the spirit of preserving the culture and tradition, this event is then supported, growing and developing into a grand-scale event. The event is always lively with acrobatic traditional Rokak Aton and colossal fantastic Bebean kite flying, taking off high in the sky. In this festival, the dazzling shapes of the kites come in various forms, including fish, birds, and other fantastic designs.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Bali Kite Festival has its own philosophy, and this has made the festival an event of significant importance for the Balinese. The festival has existed since the time when the ancient Balinese used to communicate with ‘God.’ The Hindu-Balinese community children are introduced to this kiting world along with its philosophical tradition. It is as simple as teaching kids how to become creative and make their ‘bird’ kite flap its wings, but this activity is more than that; it captures the ‘swiftness’ and magical world within it. Having fun with a kite is not just play; it is a way to honor their version of spiritual and cultural realms, all of which, in the context of Balinese Hinduism, are inseparable.
Origins in Agrarian Rituals of Bali Kite Festival
The roots of the Bali Kite Festival lie in agrarian rituals merged with the competitive aspect of kite fighting. Offering a kite to the Hindu gods was considered a way to express gratitude for good harvests. Warriors of the past might have flown kites to warn of possible attacks from enemies. Balinese people believe that the sound produced between the vibrating string and the air fill of the kite when fighting repels evil spirits. The festival, which unites community and religion, furthermore signifies the prayers for plentiful harvests and a state of prosperity for the island and its people, and is one of Bali’s most colorful events symbolizing the partnership of man and nature. High-spirited as the people of Bali are, they use rice fields and beaches to fly kites, especially after harvest. Most villages in Bali hold their own kite festival competitions in July and August at varying times, and on previously appointed days depending on the state of the moon. Roughly a month before, preparatory work in the form of materials for traditional Balinese kites – with size and shape depending on the wind direction on the particular day – is already in progress. Traditional Balinese colorful kites measure at least three meters in width and four meters in length. They are made from a bamboo frame, with bamboo skins and rice paste covered with a layer of paper to create the shape. The beauty of a kite is enhanced by a long tail. A traditional Balinese kite is not built for flying. Once aloft, the worshipers will be able to make the kite go higher by using puppets of rice-paste dough. In the past, bamboo with metallic alloy points and razor-sharp strings were employed to cause damage to rival kites. They flew double kites as markers of their territory, and gambling on the outcome was a favorite pastime of adults. The spectacle is unique to Bali.
Connection to Hindu Deities
Religious beliefs are a strong motivation for kite flying in Bali. The Hindu religion of Bali is much more fully alive in Bali than in many other Hindu populations, and it offers many occasions for communal ritual. Making kites and flying them is a form of offering to the Hindu deities. Kites are considered a manifestation of power. Kite flying is intended to liberate people from psychological burdens. From the moment the kite is launched into the sky, the singular string becomes a symbol of the problem or desire being sent into the care of the gods.
One of the main objectives in Bali in flying kites is not to cut the strings of other people’s kites. To do so would make one responsible not just for allowing the soul within it to be smashed and fall to the ground, but also for sending its owner to an early death. This aspect of the kite festival is also linked to a profound Balinese ideal: right conduct and the recognition of the rights and duties of others. Kite flyers are missing an opportunity to develop their understanding of these principles if they become nothing more than adrenaline-charged duelists in combat with each other’s kites. Balinese kites are designed not to be maneuverable. Their construction places a higher priority on stability in the air and on decoration.
Symbolism of Sending Messages to the Gods
Kites are an important part of daily life in Bali, serving a number of purposes. Many Balinese believe that they can send messages to their gods while flying kites on the plains. It is believed that writing is only a channel to the gods when a message is either written or spoken. When Balinese fly kites from their temples, they are able to send messages to their gods. Some messages that are flown in kites from a temple to the gods may be the need to ask for rain, sweet fruits, or a good harvest. Over the years, the original meaning of flying kites for religious and spiritual purposes has given way to sport where skill and beauty are an asset. Kites built during the festival are more complex and beautifully decorated than those used simply as a form of fun. Kites in the form of animals such as fish, birds, and flying dragons, as well as Hindu gods, such as the god Shiva, are built during the festival. The belief was instilled long ago: to fly a kite is to communicate with the heavens, the higher powers that oversee the daily life of Balinese villagers. Balinese kites have been proving that this belief has been passed down through the generations. The truth is told as they carry their multicolored bodies and tails of compression fabric encrusted with glass or crystals adsorbed on the five winds.
Importance of Community Involvement Bali Kite Festival
One of the more important and interesting features of the Bali Kite Festival is the way in which it brings together all of Bali’s various community organizations and institutions, which can be a powerful force for harmony, especially in the context of the growth of mass tourism to the island. Every village in Bali is involved in the festival, each providing the working and organizing manpower for teams and kites, but the main groups that are involved come from the hundreds of banjars, smaller community and family groups that live in each of Bali’s villages. Indeed, the competition that exists between the teams is just as strong, and when one considers the monetary investment, it is more important at the banjar level as it is on the international stage.
The villagers of all ages are taught to make the kites in ceremonies that teach them the tradition and culture of kiting, and the various aspects of a kite’s construction all have a religious as well as cultural significance. Indeed, kites in Bali are far more than just a form of human recreation and aesthetic enjoyment; they are endowed with great significance and play an important part in a religious as well as cultural context too, especially simultaneously with the kite season and temple ceremonies. In fact, the kites themselves, especially those flown during this holiday season, are very closely linked with the temple, as well as with the discipline, teamwork, and control that the flying of large and powerful kites, jumping and diving in impossible patterns demands. Such team effort is of great value in a culture that also values the ability and willingness to work together in such a disciplined fashion, and one value of the kites lies in their powers of social cohesion just as much as their aesthetic properties.
Event Details of How Kite Festival is Celebrated
The festivals are actually three different events that are held annually during the windy and dry season. The Bali Kite Festival originated in the 1970s when the neighboring villages’ competition had gone out of hand. Villages were making their kites too large, and the competitions were destroying rice paddies and consuming funding. A township was designated as the host for the festival, and villages now build and fly their kites on the ‘approved’ days.
The Bali Kite Festival is a one-of-a-kind festival to attend in Bali. The festival is held every year between July and August. This year’s events will be held on the 20th, 27th, and 28th of July. Village teams prepare their giant kites with extreme care, as balancing and trimming make all the difference in flying a winning kite. The teams gather the best materials, including bamboo, nylon, and other plastics. Teams spend a long time handcrafting the body of the kite and the wings. Some of these kites are absolutely gigantic, with one team boasting a kite as big as 10 meters. Once the festival begins, all the teams march through town to the competition venue. Kites can be prepared in different size ranges, and the festival categories are set up for each. Judges and the range master measure and register participating kites. The large, beautifully hand-painted, traditional, and mythically shaped kites come in all sorts of sizes. None of them fit into a neatly towering category, and their sizes are not judged. The teams select the kite that best fits their site and put up the biggest kite they can.
Some people cannot believe their size; some rise several hundred feet, missing flights. For everyone, it is a pretty amazing feat to get these kites into the air. Teams may take notes from other festivals when constructing their kites. Several countries have kite festivals, and Bali, some years, tries new interesting designs. The flying of the kites is set up to please the gods, and it is thought that the larger, more elaborate, and harder to fly the kite, the more merit that will go to the village. Kites fly as high as 100 meters, proving just how powerful Balinese kite flyers are in pulling up the giant kites. The event starts to dwindle at five in the afternoon when it seems like the fly-offs are nearing involvement. Make sure to get to the competitions early, especially if it is on a Saturday or Sunday, since parking is only available a ways away down the road. Keep in mind, starting at the ‘Dangin Pattern Star Formation’ at the Kite Festival.
Location: Padang Galak Beach, Sanur, Bali
Padang Galak Beach, located about three kilometers north of Sanur, is not just a wide, white sand beach. It is a seaside playground that comes alive with hundreds of locals on weekends and during holidays. It is also a training ground for racing these great Bali kites and the smaller traditional kites. Racing the kites is as competitive as racing bulls. It is highly risky and every inch a test of skill and courage. There is only one rule: win at any cost. There is nothing that will break a Bali heart faster than a kite that comes to earth. In an instant, it is all over. It is a fate worse than death to land in a temple—a disgrace has been visited upon the sacred grounds.
Each village has a team of six to twelve people to handle the kites, some flying the kites, and others to give chase when the wind takes the kite away. The team might even have a truck to help in this sport. The entire team is dedicated to the care, feeding, and nurturing of these great kites. Each night, they are taken down to be stored in special housing on the festival grounds. In the morning, the teams bring them back, readying them to soar to the heavens as they desire. As the Kite Festival starts, you can see the traditional kites, with their distinctive and colorful designs, starting their ascent into the skies. The musicians are playing traditional music, creating a perfect background for the kites. The people manning the kites will let out more and more of the rope as their kites fly higher and higher.
Timing: Typically July to August
The Balinese have long divided their time into periods of ten weeks, which results in festivals and temple anniversaries taking place at a multitude of times during the year. The time for the Bali Kite Festival parade is entirely dependent on the right atmospheric conditions. However, it is traditionally held when the wind is expected to be blowing from the western hemisphere, typically from July to August. In practice, these parades may be postponed until the right time or even for several consecutive years if necessary. Also, during the Bali Kite Festival, various sizes of kites are allowed to fly uncensored in the sky. This lack of consensus is partially reflected in the operation of the local calendar that allows for the creation and resolution of inconsistency in the boundary conditions. Today, the festival has moved to either Padanggalak on the east coast near the Grand Hyatt Resort or to Sanur beach, with the festival being held there instead.
Participants: Teams from Local Villages
Most participants come from the local society, where there is a traditional group or Banjar that has a long history in this activity. They specialize in 60 kites for a team. The size of the players is about 20-40 kites that show their strength. The kite should have four essential elements: the bamboo framework for the long tails and the bow section of the kite, the sail made of thin paper, the flying line which can be up to 1000 meters long, and the kite spool to control the flying line. The team consists of pilots and helpers who are responsible for controlling the length of the tails. The pilot or kite flyer is responsible for flying and maneuvering a controllable kite so that it is in an exact position as instructed by the team leader while it is hundreds of meters away in the sky.
There are some essential elements and versions of the kite that require several team members to control this activity: one person to fly the kite, another to monitor weather conditions and the kite flying angle, others to ensure kite flying stability, another to create excitement and good strategy, and others to consult and share knowledge of the wind, skillfully known as Luwintadewa. The rest of the members from each team consist of women, children, and Banjar members who are responsible for tying the string around the bamboo frame of the kite and releasing it at the appropriate time. Women play a particular role in kite-flying performance. They usually expect their husbands and children to bring home the small kite after the end of the festival, so they require particular attention and emotional support from their family and team.
Types of Kites on Bali Kite Festival
In Bali, Indonesia, traditional kites are large and high-flying, and are a very important part of Balinese culture. Practically every village has a team that prepares for the August months of kite festivals and competitions. These elaborate kites are made for pleasure, not fishing, and the sport is purely for the enjoyment of the skill, tradition, and community. The kites are quite fragile, built from a delicate framework of bamboo and kite velvet or thin plastic sheeting. Utilized only as a rare luxury in developed countries, the plastic sheeting is a throwaway item in the developing world. In recent years, Balinese kitemakers have created some kites that grow up to 100 meters long. These huge, serpent-shaped structures require 300 to 400 men to launch. They are not flown for sport, but as a demonstration of religious devotion.
There are several types of traditional Balinese kites built today. Although specialized shapes, such as cranes, fish, and swallows, do exist, most kites fall into four general categories: the Bebean, Janggan, Pecukan, and Janggong. Kites from each region and village usually have distinctive decorations and colors. Many of the images painted on the kites today are very symbolic and are meant to ward off evil spirits or else bless the grounds upon which the kites land.
Kite Sizes
The size of the kite is mostly determined by the size of the festival’s location. If the festival is held in a wide area without any obstruction like trees and electricity posts, the minimum size of a kite would be about 8 meters in width and 9 meters in length. If a festival is arranged with a very large area surrounded by trees and electricity posts, this minimum size will increase to 11 meters in width and 12 meters in length. This special type of kite is believed to be more stable during its performance.
For Yogyakarta’s type of kite, which has no tail at all, its size starts from 6 meters to 8 meters in width and 6 meters to 7 meters in length. All kites produced in Yogyakarta are in this single size group. The major differences are only in the material color scheme. Kites originated from cities around the Merapi mountain are usually smaller, with only 4-5 meters in width and 6-7 meters in length. These kites sometimes have many tails. The shape of the kite is mostly either Garuda or Swastika. Baladewa kites, which are said to have originated from the southern beaches of Yogyakarta, usually have a size variation.
That kite body has a size of 3-4 meters, but the tail can reach 10-11 meters in length. Last but not least, Bali’s type of kite, although it is recognized by its giant rib structure, has no size limitation at all. The body is usually divided into three parts: the wing (about 6-7 meters in width), the body (about 10-15 meters in length), and the tail (you can make it so long until it is not possible to wind it onto the body when you roll the kite).
Festival Experience of Bali Kite Festival
The daily routine of the Bali Kite Festival is a cycle of uplifting moments, literally and metaphorically. As the sun rises and the wind picks up, kites start to fill the sky with birds, beasts, and geometric patterns that dance and dart in the blustery blue void. It matters not what shape or color the kite may take. What’s important is the motion it makes in the wind, and the joy it brings to those who make, fly, and watch from the ground. These emotions go to the heart of Balinese culture and the values it seeks to uphold. It’s a poignant reminder of the simple pleasures and traditions at which we must become caretakers lest they disappear into the folds of time. The experience of watching the kites being prepared, helped into the air, and then, time and again, landed and lovingly repaired for when next they rise, is a joy for all ages. It’s a workshop, a spectacle, and a coming together of generations whose lives are linked to the power and fragility of the wind and the culture it sustains. The festival has an open-air family theme park vibe, but the joy shared is by no means exclusive. A visit to the Bali Kite Festival will reward you with insight, discovery, memories, and the sight of a coiled dragon ascending to heaven.
Giant, Colorful Kites Soaring in the Sky
Bali has become a popular tourist destination and a cool place for digital nomads. Despite the rapid changes that have occurred and are occurring, Balinese people, especially those on the island, have always taken care to preserve traditional culture. If you are visiting Bali around July to September, you have the chance to witness the Bali Kite Festival, a Balinese celebration dedicated to the Hindu gods. It is impressive and very photogenic, thanks to the kites made by the villagers.
The Bali Kite Festival isn’t called a kite festival for nothing. The kites are the most prominent and most important part of the festival. Kites are made by the villagers from various materials; bamboo and cloth are the most popular. Last but not least, different shapes and sizes are also significant. The popular shapes are the bebean, which is a giant fish, and the janggan, which is a massive, colorful bird. These kites are brought to life through a series of connected bamboo frames and covered in rayon or nylon cloth, which the flyers then paint.
Traditional Gamelan Music
Gamelan is traditional music from Bali. The Balinese gamelan orchestra comprises instruments from the percussion family. They include the hanging gongs, kettle gongs, drums, metallophones, and bamboo flutes. The musical ensemble is organized according to a hierarchy, with personnel playing different parts of the gamelan music. The largest gong, called the kempur, is played sparingly, highlighting the start and finish of a piece. The drum plays complex rhythms, whereas the smaller gongs and metallophones typically play a part of a melody. The assortment of instruments is placed in a manner, with the larger instruments placed in front of the smaller ones. Gamelan music is special because it uses a five-tone gamelan scale, known as pelog, and a seven-note scale, known as selendro.
The richness of the Balinese gamelan and its melody played a significant role in the Bali Kite Festival. As the kite took to the sky, the music from a gamelan orchestra group could be heard in the background. The harmonious sound surged through the air, prompting the kite enthusiast to take full control of their kites. Between the cool highland breeze and the mesmerizing gamelan music, the atmosphere was electric and bathed in tradition. It was an extraordinary feeling to witness the beauty of a 300-meter dragon kite being lifted into the air by traditional music, and attempting to control a 17-meter kite by trying to capture an octopus, parrot, or a flying fish – the event was electric. The winds aloft, combined with traditional music playing, delivered a colorful, memorable spectacle to thousands.
Vibrant Atmosphere
During the festival, excitement fills the air; the vitality of the traditional community combined with huge colorful kites carving through the sky creates an electrifying atmosphere. Traditional foods are also exhibited and sold during the festival; visitors and locals can sample platters of local traditional snacks. The vibrant welcome extends to the sea as well as the sky. The fun-filled annual silk kite festival hosts kite flyers from all over, as well as from overseas.
In the colorful beam of the sun, tourists and locals alike become part of the audience for the jubilant dance of silk kites, cheering and applauding along with the crowds. Every effort is made to build colorful kites, which are an important part of the festival; being clever, creating amazingly high and giant silk kites, each giving praise to the gods. Gifts are also given; local competitions celebrate teams for the best launch. The most accomplished kite teams can insert quite elaborate puppets in the belly of their kites. These enormous and vibrant kites, built in all sorts of weird and wonderful shapes, take amazing levels of craftsmanship to create and maintain their splendidly high altitudes. Kites mock silently and beautifully, appearing to soar majestically up to the sky as each gust of wind catches the various colors. The care that the builders give is tested by the appearance and style of the kite, and the pride of the results is still admirable. The strength of the wind during the festival is beneficial for the launch of large kites, maintaining their dignity. Even after the festival is finished, there will still be dots of color that are visible in the sky.
Competitions and Displays
A variety of kites are ubiquitous during these festival celebrations. A large quantity is flown on the days of the celebration, and others are displayed in sets or individually for photographing and other forms of appreciation, such as prize-winning competitions. The display kites are an art form and are often large and three-dimensional. Artists and craftsmen, frequently awarded winners of kite competitions, make use of various abundant natural indigenous resources such as bamboo, paper, and string. The festival also presents these kites with synchronized dance routines to the tune of live musical performances.
The kite festival is a series of competitive events. Large traditional kites are lifted on the shoulder and are then dropped when receiving the command from the judge. Before being dropped, these two-ton kites are lifted as high as the lifter of that crane kite can manage. The last uncut lifter remains the winner in this popular competition. Large snake kite trains or centipedes and flying planks at the end of a kite race are symbolic of the successful rice harvest to come. Small children with large grins live and thrive in the pastures with their more successful siblings. The construction and production of these bamboo kites require elaborate preparations, much stamina, constant effort, and often sketchy knowledge; binding ceremonies of prayer and meditation are not uncommon. The kite display and the Greater kite festival undertaken in celebration of these festivities offer a window to this rapidly changing world.
Local Food and Drink Stalls
Bird Print Kite Neck Keyhole Dress Local Food and Drink Stalls There is no need to drag along a humongous picnic or worry about getting cranky bellies at the festival because the kecak dance stage area will be lined with numerous food and beverage marquee stands ready to serve drinks starting at 9:00 AM, with the Hard Rock Cafe booth serving breakfast. Other booths will be serving cold drinks, beer, traditional Balinese favorites like nasi goreng, mie goreng, gado-gado, and western staples such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries. The booths will be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily during the event. Well-priced food items include Bintang Beer, pizza, nasi goreng, mie goreng, French fries, hot dogs, hamburgers, gado-gado, soft drinks, cold water, lemon tea, and ice. Most major credit cards are accepted with a minimum purchase for each transaction.
Cultural Observations of Bali Kites Festival
It is fascinating to analyze the Balinese observance of the facets of Balinese culture visible through the annual kite festival. With each flight of a kite, the Balinese wish good fortune for the flight of the kite, being careful to ensure that the bamboo used in the kite is the right type from the right geographic location or island. The symmetrical design of the kite is important to the good fortune of the kite and the maker, so the design, shape, and colors are chosen with caution. The tropical sun distinguishes the color pigments, and the surviving colors represent a job well done. As the kite festival takes place, numerous other cultural statements are made. The form of the kite containing a headless figure is inseparable. As the kites are mounted and then burst into the sky, beginning a horizontal journey from the shore, the figure of the kite is intended to act as a substitute to scare away any evil spirits that are lingering in the area and above. As the kite achieves its total height and increases its altitude in a vertical direction, the same increase occurs with the spirits, and as the kite descends and draws near Mother Earth, the spirits are kept in the sky. These messages are sent, communicated, and accepted.
Respect for Local Customs and Traditions
For Balinese people, custom, ritual, and tradition are permeating their daily lives. The customs, rituals, and traditions of Bali have their own values and are intended to maintain balance in society. The belief in equilibrium is called Tri Hita Karana, which means three aspects needed to be in harmony in people’s lives: harmony among people, harmony with nature, and harmony with God. Balinese people feel that, as a matter of course, these three aspects of life must be in balance. There are several ceremonies performed in life by Balinese people. These ceremonies range from sacred rituals such as cutting the umbilical cord, a baby’s first laugh, tooth filing, cremation, pregnancy, to menstruation.
The Bali Kite Festival is organized as an attraction and serves to preserve the community through the value of the history of kite culture. The kite festival is created by the younger generation. Developing the kite festival in the village acts as a growing motivation to fight for the achievement and existence of the whole community. From organizing a kite festival, it is discovered that establishing awareness to save the village, primarily through the younger generation, is essential to sharing the traditional heritage. For only a “hollow ship,” the results have not been felt at all. And the seed begins to grow; the village must move on, the village must produce, and the village must continue to create new seeds after the dry seasons and wind strikes. Balinese people feel that the district should not experience an “existential crisis” precisely because of the kite festival. The continuation of the Kite Festival in the village is promptly chosen as an attempt to fight for independence, and the warmth of the community can still be preserved.
Understanding the Spiritual Significance
Besides praying for prosperity, the Bali Kite Festival is also an expression of gratitude to the gods for good harvests and the fertility of the rice fields, which only grow through the union of the gods and people in the production of food. By taking part in the Bali Kite Festival, success in contributing to this union is hoped to be maintained. These prayer rituals and the sacred activities enable the gods to respond to human wishes, but do not always achieve their ideal goals. Regardless, religion continues to have a place in Balinese society, though it might have changed its form and functions. Balinese people demonstrate that religion, in fact, may not only function to harmonize relations among the gods, the ancestors, and the people, but also to harmonize relations among people in society as well. The social functions of religion in Balinese society are seen in many specific activities, including reciprocal duties, norms, and behavioral codes, which contribute to enhancing the members’ faith in working for the collective good. The availability and use of religious values, such as worshipping the supreme god who maintains order and fairness, contribute to mutual service and care, and enable members to forsake their egos and private welfare for the general welfare. Since Balinese society is characterized by collective well-being, with some individual sacrifices, denial, and subordination, religion becomes a crucial bond among men of different backgrounds who vary in wealth, social status, abilities, political power, relationships, education, influence, language, and other personal resources.
Appreciating the Craftsmanship of the Kites
The build. Bamboo and other types of light wood are predominantly used in the construction of a kite. The primary features of kites with respect to the festival are the wau pads and the 13 bamboo rings known as the tali. Other important features that are in tune with the kite flying tradition are the colors and patterns. Kites can be custom ordered to customer specifications, almost similar to a tailor stitching to the customer’s needs. The price of a bare kite without the broad design range goes from $50 upwards. The majority of kites have simple symmetrical patterns and a small number of colors. However, there are also kites with more intricate patterns, and the color may cover both sides of the kite. Smaller kites are easier to produce, and more kites can thus be sold. Larger kites command greater respect.
The materials used to make a kite are light and fragile. The primary materials are wood and paper. At the very minimum, this goes to make a traditional kite. The making of the paper is also important. Many makers have their own secret methods and recipes. There is a choice of three different types of paper. In general, the lighter and more transparent the paper, the more expensive it becomes. The other parameters that are considered in the making of a kite are the type of bamboo and the quality of the glue used. All of them have quality that is to be considered. It is the accumulation of these small details that makes a kite. Although the focus is more on design, with the increased interest in kite making, courses are now in demand. In these courses, students come out having mastered the craft of making a kite.
Photographing the Event with Respect
When you are photographing the festival – or any event in Bali – it is always important to be as respectful as possible of the people and their traditions that you are capturing. It is also important to remember the two general rules about photographing people: always ask for permission before photographing local people. Engage the people in your photograph. Give them time to get used to you, and you will be rewarded with an improved image. Throughout the festival, locals and even foreign tourists or photographers are allowed to take available seating under the cloth in the temporary shacks. Unless you’re photographing from outside the festival grounds, there is no access to the spot of the flying kite in the designated area. However, you can still get up close to the kites on the field, where you’ll be able to get a good look at the magnificent, awe-inspiring kites. This is also where a lot of the kite preparations and activities are happening.
The Balinese are very religious people, and they traditionally make an offering before and after pretty much every activity. So, don’t be surprised if every child hitting on one of the small wristbands temporarily takes time out to give an offering at the altar near the launch site. The spectacle and the atmosphere generated by the locals more than compensate for the fact that you can’t access the best spot for kite-top photography. If you choose to attend the event, be respectful and sensitive, and consider the cultures and beliefs of the locals. Remember that the people participating in festivals are not actors. They have come to celebrate their own history, beliefs, and traditions; they don’t necessarily want to be a part of your photo album.
Travel Information to Watch Bali Kite Festival
Every year, the Bali Kite Festival occurs in Padang Galak Beach, located in close proximity to Sanur. The festival is held to celebrate the ending of the harvest season with a kite festival dating back centuries. It is a required tradition for competing villages to fly an enormous 10-meter-wide kite accompanied by a 100-meter-long tail in the form of a gamelan. Ideal travel dates are around July and September, as June can still have a lot of rain, and December and January are high rainfall seasons. In July, the winds in Sanur go from east to west, and in September, from west to east. Accommodations to stay in Sanur are quite varied, catering to budget stays at guest houses or even resorts and hotels.
Visitors generally travel by car or motorcycle given its remote location and book a driver for the day. Padang Galak Beach is 2 kilometers away from Bali Beach Hotel, reachable in 10 minutes by car, and just over 3 kilometers away from Karang Beach Hotel, which is about 20 minutes away. If you are traveling from Ida Bagus Mantra Bypass, which connects the south and east, take the Sanur exit. Look for Pantai Segara Ayu Sanur Beach, as this road leads to Padang Galak Beach. It is crucial to bring spare clothes and tissues, as it can get incredibly dusty with muddy puddles if you are there to watch the kite festivals. Given how hot it can get, it is a good idea to carry around a bottle of water or sunblock.
Best Times to Visit Bali Kite Festival
The festival itself is quite long, actually, running from July through October. However, many of the main events are scheduled during the island’s dry months. These are primarily from May through September. Rainfall can still grace the lands in May and October, but the sun typically shines throughout these months. This makes it easy to predict the festival’s rain-free events. Sometimes, the event can start in late June. It always depends on the local cultural calendar, or sort of – we’ll get into that in a minute. As for a general travel tip, visits to the island are fullest during the high season that takes place in July and August. These months are also the last two months of the festival that offer many options for participation and observation, though. If you’re visiting the festival to see the kites themselves, this is likely the best time to book. If you’re hoping to check out the beaches, restaurants, spas, and more throughout the area, you might consider traveling during the shoulder months of May, June, and September.
As for the rest of the northern hemisphere, these months are just starting to warm up a bit more. That being said, the kite festival isn’t the island’s only attraction. Because of the consistent weather patterns that help to make the festival so special, this stunning island is a perfect visit any time of year!
Transportation to Padang Galak Beach
Visitors to Balinese festival events are well catered for by the local transportation network. Rental cars can be collected at the airport, and the drive along the eastern coast takes between 40 and 45 minutes. The road is well signposted and easy to follow, with the beach situated right next to the road and impossible to miss. Some visitors also choose to hire a taxi for the journey, as the location of the beach is well known and drivers are familiar with the event. Public transport is an option, with services such as the local bemos traveling the route from the airport to Padang Galak Beach. The festival is a well-loved event on the island, attracting international tourists from across the globe. Readers may wish to consider the most convenient way to reach Padang Galak Beach according to their location, needs, and budget. Driving tends to be the most time-efficient and cost-effective mode of local transportation during the month of the festival. There are public transport services available, but hiring a taxi or rental car may offer greater privacy and comfort. Those parking a car are recommended to arrive early to secure a parking space, drive cautiously, and take advice from local residents, who will be full of helpful suggestions.
Accommodation Options in Sanur
Offering more comfort and luxurious facilities, butterfly-themed hotels line the heart of Sanur. The Tandjung Sari Hotel has two swimming pools, a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and free wireless internet. The rooms are all equipped with air conditioning, a television, a mini-bar, an in-room safety box, and a telephone for international calls. Some rooms also include a DVD player, an iPod dock, and a private outdoor bath. On the other hand, you might want to try out Sativa Sanur Cottages. A luxury holiday retreat in tropical garden settings should be appreciated by guests here. In their Balinese-style guestrooms, guests will appreciate amenities such as a furnished outdoor terrace, a flat-screen television, and Wi-Fi. The intimate bathrooms feature showers and a comprehensive set of bath amenities.
Another favorite accommodation option for backpackers visiting Sanur might be on Jalan Danau Tamblingan. Smiling Hostel provides both bunk and capsule-style beds for shared and private spaces. The hostel features an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi across the property, and a stylish shared living area. Their entertaining lounge has an exceptional design with abundant comfortable seating, books, a pool table, game equipment, and games on hand. A bar and restaurant on-site serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Due to the half-board package that includes daily dinner, many of their hostel guests also take their evening meal here. With easy beach access and the regular Bajra Sandhi Renon Monument in nearby Puputan Badung Nature Park, Kinaara Resort and Spa is under 10 minutes from Denpasar. Guests can stay at Sanur Kid Suites and request a set feast for the family.
What to Bring on Bali Kite Festival
Attendees should remember to stay sun-safe while outdoors. The beach area of Padang Galak does not offer shade. Suntanning is a tradition in Bali, with locals embracing the practice. Attendees should remember to take sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to provide protection from the strong tropical sun.
While it may sound like an unsophisticated thing to mention, remember to dress appropriately for a long day in the great outdoors. For many people, this can mean wearing comfortable shoes, as well as loose, light clothing that offers sun protection, promoting coolness and protecting from humidity. There is a significant amount of walking and sitting done without shade, up and down the beach at Padang Galak, so wearing full-length jeans and jackets might make for a sweaty and uncomfortable day.
Internal body temperature should also be kept at bay, so remember to help keep the body cool and protect from dehydration by drinking water. Bring water bottles along. Even though water is now sold inside the festival grounds, bringing your bottles might be a good idea, as supply and demand have made some patrons gasp at the price of water. There is nothing wrong with taking a small cooler with bottled water and snacks to the beach in front of the festival. Photographers interested in taking photographs or smartphone pictures should remember to protect their gear from the warm ocean environment. Many cameras, especially older or cheaper models, can be easily damaged in tropical environments. One necessity you cannot leave at home is cash. Small change may also facilitate direct cash exchanges with some vendors.
The Importance of the Wind in the Bali Kite Festival
The Bali Kite Festival is held on the island’s eastern coast, where the slogan is “Life starts from the east.” The festival is one of Indonesia’s major international events. A gate symbolizes the end of the spiritual and ritual path in the east, making it a worthy place to establish a vice-regal residence. Because Bali is an island, atmospheric winds play a key role in the Balinese system of kite flying. In the Bali Kite Festival, reaching the highest point of the wind and flying straight is an important aspiration. Balinese can be classified into different wind strengths. Shafts are intended to harness mild winds. The middle class is occupied by Bebean (fish-shaped). New York (or fruits) is designed to master strong winds. Because the shaft’s height is almost half that of a New Yorker, there are far fewer shafts ahead of New York. The high stratocumulus clouds in the sky of the two kite birds near the sun indicate strong sunlight. “Singe” is the Balinese word for wind when the sun is high and the grass is hot. The term “melod” refers to a gentle wind. According to Balinese tradition, when the sun is high, the wind is stronger.
The seasons in Bali have many reactions on the island. They divide their time into periods. The wind has traditionally played a key role in determining the feasibility of these activities in Bali. Balinese youth spend hours gathering grass during the “mild” doldrums to build their kite supplies, believing that there are likely to be several days of important kite flying in June, July, and August. Until the competition is completed, participants refuse to begin. Wind can determine the best time of day for burning by indirectly affecting the quality of the results. On Sundays, the gods of nature also remind those who follow nature that today would be a good day to fly kites. Because the southeastern coast and the wave of the Balinese Channel’s current and wind tend to blow from a south-easterly direction, sea and onshore breezes may develop according to the tide and current, creating updrafts. Suns usually reach a height of 17 degrees at 11 a.m. A kite that reaches its maximum altitude before 12 o’clock receives additional lift. Some kite flyers feared that later in the day, the sun would warm the earth, creating absorbed lower winds, or that changes in temperature and time of day would cause wind patterns. Local farmers’ forecasts indicate whether rain will fall further to the west.
The Meaning of the Different Kites
Kites play an important role in Balinese rituals, and the Bali Kite Festival is a way for entire communities to aid the farmers in their quest for rain while also building a feeling of camaraderie. The types of kites that are flown come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and are usually multiples of the same feature. Kites that are lined up on the ground stand as sentinels, notably bestowing protective qualities on the site. The mere presence of kites through this activity also stakes the community’s claim to its local area, enhancing a feeling of place and identity. Other kites and other parts of flying kites may also have their own specific rituals and meanings. Besides the giant kites that are flown for the competition, many of these types are flown simply for fun and entertainment. The Bebean has a long, trailing head which often incorporates many features of Hindu gods and people. The Janggan’s head is more squat, faces away from the direction of flight, and depicts animals such as birds or wayang carrying out humorous activities. The shields are flown without a tail and are the fighter kites priced most dearly. All of the kites, except for the smallest sizes, have jeblokan, a piece of small paper that is attached to the string close to the front of the kite and flutters in the wind. Judges of the kite competition say that this piece helps to provide lift. Rockets are always red; it is the color that stands out best against the sky, increasing their chances of takeoff. The home of the fighting kites is Murgah, a town in West Bali. Typically, the kites are flown by young, single men in the surroundings of this town, a popular pastime on weekends during the season. The average cost for one of these kites is about $100. All of the towering, graceful kites of today are imaginative reconstructions of artistic studies that date back to the 1940s and 1950s. A few men in Bali still construct the traditional Bebean, Janggan, or shields, but they are not as decorative as the kites produced in the artistic era.
How the Festival Promotes Community Spirit
The Bali Kite Festival represents a time for celebration for both the local residents and the visitors that come from around the world. For the people of Bali, the event is a uniquely local experience that unites them in tradition and pride. Residents come together in their communities and with their families to build large, artistic kites to fly during the festival. The cooperative event serves to bring families even closer, as the members of each family work together to build their kite. The process of creating and participating in the event serves to bring them even closer together. Throughout the festival, all ages celebrate and come together, as there are events held for school-aged children, challenging competitions for the professionals, and group activities and performances for all. Community spirit thrives during the festival, as a shared love for Balinese tradition brings together the island’s residents and visitors. The local media provide coverage of the event, helping to attract visitors from around the world and encouraging local spectators to travel to witness the spectacle. In addition to those who wish to watch the festival, representatives from the tourism industry in Bali are present. These individuals cooperate to support the event, creating a true festival and banquet for the public in an effort to support the regional flight competition. Ultimately, the festival is considered a benefit for the many regional pilots; they celebrate with all of those who have taken part in the venture in an event that reflects the values of the Balinese. From this perspective, the festival truly is a Balinese celebration: a celebration of togetherness, of residents, and those from outside of our communities that come to witness something special.
History of the Bali Kite Festival
The Bali Kite Festival is an annual event in Bali that exemplifies the Balinese community spirit, when everyone from school children to office workers, villagers, and even city residents comes together to submit their kites for competition. It is not only the starting gun for a new kite flying season, but it is also a crucial part of cultural calendars, where it is important to remember the origin of the festival. Kites in Bali have been flown from time immemorial, although there was very little in the manner of festivals or competitions. Instead, they were flown according to rules laid down over thousands of years.
In the late 1970s, with the tourist boom, almost nothing escaped the hand of commercialism. The kite traditions in Bali were no exception and were forced to change. White kites of the type seen today, with designs replicating characters, initially became popular with tourists who wanted to take them back home as souvenirs. But the Balinese soon started adapting these designs to local beliefs and legends. The Bali Kite Festival began, in its present form, in a similar way to that it was instituted for the reasons of protecting Bali from inward and outward-bound evil spirits. Tourism gave the festival a valid cultural grounding and tourism itself also worked to defuse the purely commercial aspects, which despite everything, still threaten the kite tradition.
The Bali Kite Festival is, nevertheless, primarily a community event. The mixing of village teams, some of which make individual entries and some who collaborate with other villages, is just one aspect of the community togetherness of the festival. Each village has at least two teams, one flying per traditional type of kite – the Bebean (fish-shaped) and the Janggan (bird-shaped) – and the other using modern artistic kites. The Bali Kite Festival has become an important part of the history and tradition of Bali. The commercially acceptable festival of today still bears an important relationship with that which preceded it. Today the Bali Kite Festival has become commercial in that it is a part of Bali’s top attraction in addition to offering entertaining features. The tourists who gaze on it are also privileged in that they might understand something of its direct cultural implications.
The Conclusion of Bali Kite Festival
The Bali Kite Festival can be seen as a structural element of Balinese Hinduism, serving to fortify the faith, whose roots are found in the natural forces of the environment around them. The people believe that God is manifested in natural phenomena and they treat accordingly in a spirit of reverence. This festival allows the Balinese to recall their unity and even to enhance it, which they do by appealing to the so-called Maleness of the Spirit, identified by the color white. The sense of belonging to a common group, which is reinforced by the shared participation in rituals, is so strong that it overflows the boundaries of the small island where the Balinese live and governs relations with all those who do not belong to their collective identity. The religious aspect of the Bali Kite Festival stays in the background. The stimulating effect the festival has on the Balinese community makes the objective of the festival or the reason for the festival far more important than its intrinsic religious content. Yet, without the meaning this festival is structured, it would lose much of its integrity and expressive cohesion. The dialectic interaction between the religious and secular dimensions of the festival is the key to grasping the social nature and the profound meaning imbedded in the religious manifestation. The Hindu gods, such as the goddess of rice or of the mountains, originally accompanied the religious sphere. The bourgeois class in Bali, particularly the powerful Kshatriya, incorporated them into the worldly, personal aspect, recounting the episodes of each divinity to favor wealth, harmony, fertility, life in general.
