In Bali, It’s not very often that a glance toward the heavens will not include kites. This ancient pastime here in Indonesia, and Asia as a whole, is enjoyed by young and old alike. Like just about anything here in Bali, kite creation and flying is not a solitary endeavor and is firmly rooted in traditional beliefs. Entire villages work together to create mammoth flying machines. Gamelon orchestras play as hundreds of hands work feverishly to craft kites that can reach sizes of 10 meters (over 30 feet). And that is just the kite’s body. The tail can stretch another 120 meters (400 feet).
Villages from all over Bali create masterpieces of aerodynamics, religious significance and traditional Balinese beliefs to fly up to the Gods (and have heaps of fun)
Bali Yoga Retreats
During a recent Bali Yoga Retreat, we were able to take our participants to Padang Galak Beach near Sanur to witness teams testing out their creations. Villages take great pride in kite making and flying. Special harnesses are built on trucks to transport the huge kites. If you know the Balinese, you know that activities like this are not without fanfare. An entire caravan escorts the kite complete with flags, instruments, costumes, food and other items of village pride.
The joy, pride and camaraderie of kite creation and flight are thinly veiled if at all. ~ Bali Yoga Retreats
Balinese Tradition and Religious Significance
Keeping with strong Balinese tradition, these outings are not just about having fun. They are steeped in tradition and religious significance. In fact, every stage of the kite making process, blessings and rituals are performed. The kite design team will consult with local Balians, Mangku and Pendanda (Holy men and women) to determine auspicious days to begin.
Preparations underway for the maiden voyage and culmination of months of work by the entire village. ~ Bali Yoga Retreats
Balinese Symbolism
Each aspect; shape, color, size, is carefully selected to symbolize elements of Balinese Hinduism. The color red symbolizes Brahma, the god who created the universe. White is for Vishnu, the protector. Black symbolizes Shiva (also spelled Shiwa or Ishwara), who is the destroyer. All kites must include these colors of the holy trinity along with yellow. Yellow is in appreciation of Dewata Nawasanga, the eight gods of eight directions.
Bamboo, the eco-wonder material, finds yet another use in Bali.
Bamboo ~ Eco-Friendly and Utilitarian
Bamboo is used as the frame for it’s lightweight and high tensile strength. Bamboo is also used to craft a gewangan. The gewangan is a small contraption attached to the kite to create a distinct buzzing sound. It symbolizes the harmony between men and women. The different styles of kites and various sizes dictate the sound and volume of the gewangan.
Furious activity precedes the launch ~ Bali Yoga Retreats
Balinese Ceremonies ~ Cleanse and Purify
Before the kite can make its maiden voyage to the Gods, several ceremonies must be held to purify and imbue the spirits into the kite. Flowers and incense are used to cleanse and purify, and prayers are said to give Taksu or power to the now sacred kite. The launching itself is to send a request directly to the Balinese Hindu Gods for abundant harvests. Once the kite has served its religious purpose (and everyone had heaps of fun), a Dipralina ceremony will be held in which to cremate the kite and allow the spirit to return to its original form.
… we have liftoff…
Traditional Balinese Styles
There are many impressive styles and looks to the kites, but the traditional styles are regarded as the most significant. The three main types of traditional Balinese kites are Pecukan (leaf-shaped), Bebean (fish-shaped) and Janggan (bird-shaped). The most difficult kite to fly is not the largest as many might think. The leaf shaped Pecukan requires the most skill to fly as the shape can easily become unstable. The largest is the Bebean, and it resembles a split-tailed, broad-mouthed fish. The longest kite is called Janggan and includes a great tail that is often more than 100 meters in length.
A successful liftoff and the great babean kite joins the janggan kites in the sky to please and communicate with the Hindu Gods of Bali
Kiting History
Throughout history kites have served many purposes from warfare to navigation, meteorological to agricultural, religious to celebratory, communications to fishing. This art form has been deeply engrained on the Balinese for centuries and to this day, kites are encountered almost daily.
After religious rites, Hindu ceremonies, hard work, skilled craftsmanship, transportation and logistics, and a successful launch; pure joy and competent satisfaction fill the young boys minds, heart and soul
For more on The Bali Kite Festivaland Yoga Retreats in Bali, please contact Floating Leaf Eco-Retreat.
… and the crowd goes wild!
The janggan and bebean kites fill the sky on the resplendent Bali afternoon.
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It’s interesting how they make the kites. I had no idea this was such a big pastime.
Thanks so much Suzy.
We really appreciate you featuring us again and I hope all is well in your travels. We welcome you to our Eco-retreat in Bali whenever you are in the area.
Yes, the kites are a big deal here and you can hardly look into the sky on any given day without seeing a few. Its beautiful.
Hope to see you in Bali soon! Come for a yoga retreat, you would love it!
Warm regards,
Michael