Date : July 2011
Venue : Carnaval Beach, Ancol.
Kiting is a traditional sport in many Asian countries including Indonesia. During the annual two-day Jakarta Kite Festival at Carnaval Beach people from
over 20 provinces and countries represent their different kite cultures.
The history of kites is interesting and can be traced long back into time. Basically a flying, tethered man made object; Kites had originated in China and
was basically used for communication purposes.
It is a common form of sport in most Asian countries and countries like India, Pakistan, Thailand, China,
Korea and Japan. Every country has kites of their own shapes and size which are often indicative of their cultural values, customs and religious beliefs.
In most country, the act of flying Kite is considered sacred and for some it is just a very good sport.
In Asian countries especially children are seen to
fly kites made out of dried symmetrical leaves on sewing thread and sled style kites which are made out of sheets of folded paper.
The Kite Festival is celebrated in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, in the month of July with great vigor. Preparations for the big day are made from
months earlier and special kites in peculiar shapes and vibrant colors are designed.
The strings are made with extreme care and are extremely
special as the enthusiast kite flyers often invite each other to friendly battles.
Features of Jakarta Kite Festival
- The annual festival is held in the month of July every year for duration of two days at Carnaval Beach.
- Many provinces of Indonesia as well as other countries too take part in this festival. In the year 2006, countries like Malaysia, China, Japan, and
Netherlands were a part of this festival.
- The Kite Festival is a platform for kite lovers to exhibit their skills as well as display the various kites which with their shapes and colors have reached
artistic proportions. The technical kites are the latest craze.
- The festival brings a break in the busy life of the people of Jakarta and helps them to socialize. The festival grounds are a wonderful place for the
tourists and the locals to interact.
- The Kite Festival conjures up a great and rare spectacle when the whole sky is filled with kites of various forms and sizes. It gives a perfect occasion
to click some spectacular snaps.
- The Kite Festival in Jakarta is open to all and is fun time especially for the children.
In recent years Kite Flying has developed into a major sport. Small local events, traditional festivals or large International Events are now organized to
promote and preserve this ancient sport.
The Jakarta Kite Festival is the most popular form of entertainment for the Jakarta people and is even attended
by oversea contestants.
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