Variety of Balinese Kites

“Bebean”
The size of the Kite body is not so large as that of the Janggan style; however, it is not less attractive on being put into the sky. The form resembles a fish and has fins both at the right and left side, which will wave when being blown by the wind.
Bebean indeed looks like a fish, but behind its shape it retains a profound symbolic sense through its eight angles. Those angles portray the eight directions, the points where the gods abide. Through the eight directions, the bebean persuades the gods to remain conveying the wind and the kite can dance without end.

“Janggan”
Amongst the three kinds of Balinese traditional kites, the Janggan is the largest. Its dimension may reach 5 x 10 metres and its tail 100 metres make it so good-looking on penetrating the sky. As the dragon’s head is becoming the uppermost part of the kite, it makes it alive and dances elegantly in the sky.
Many exceptional treatments are required for the dragon’s head of this janggan style. Temple is the right place to keep this kite when not in use and it will be taken out on the performance of the purification rite, just two days before the kite festival of Bali.“Pecukan”
Though it has a more modest form than the other two kinds, pecukan style is no less appealing when being put into the sky. The community knows well that the pecukan has a considerably high level of difficulties to fly and make it stable in the sky. Accordingly, when it flies into the sky, striking applause, strains of gamelan ensemble and clapping hands will accompany it enthusiastically.
It’s said that the pecukan are over and over again used by farmers to secure their rice field against the disturbance of pests. Such pests will run away when hearing the high-pitched sounds of the guwangan (tape extended on bamboo arch) and seeing the figure of ogress having lengthy tusks that in general is painted on the surface of pecukan style. (BTN/*)

Preparation of International Tanah Lot Kite Festival

Related to the carrying out of the ‘Tanah Lot International Kite Festival” event on the forthcoming 12-14 August’, the Operational Authority of Tanah Lot Tourist Object and Organizing Committee of the Festival, Wednesday (12/4) held a notification ritual at the Tanah Lot and Pekendungan Temple.
The observance was conducted in connection with the preparation of the festival that will involve abundant foreign tourists. “At the same time, we ask for safety, fluency and success of the event to the Supreme God,” says Made Sujana, Head of the Tanah Lot Authority.
After the worship, it was followed by the inauguration of the secretariat office utilized to support the organization of the Tanah Lot International Kite Festival. Location of the festival is around the tourist object of Tanah Lot, Tabanan.
According to Made Sujana, the festival would be designed in such away, that it will raise the local potentials existing in Tabanan regency. “During the three-day event, the committee will present some unique traditional attractions of Tabanan such as the competition of propeller, scarecrow and sunari or perforated bamboo pole, which being exposed to the wind will produce a melodious sound.
This festival will see the participation of Kite clubs from 18 countries, including Indonesia that is going to invite local kite clubs from 10 provinces. (BTN/para)