Cambodia revives kite flying art

2010-01-08 10:48 BJT

 

Cambodia's long lost traditional art of kite flying has been revived after the South East Asian country hosted the International Kite Festival in Koh Kong province.

The traditional Cambodian kite, known as "Kleng Ek", has a sounding bow at the top of the kite, which makes a low humming noise when flown. Originating around 400BC, Cambodian kites were traditionally flown during the harvest season.

In the past, bamboo was used to make the frames of the kite, while tree leaves were woven together to form the kite's body. A Cambodian kite costs about 50 US dollars to make.

Cambodia's long lost traditional art of kite flying has been revived after the South East Asian country hosted the International Kite Festival in Koh Kong province.
Cambodia's long lost traditional art of kite flying has been revived after the
South East Asian country hosted the International Kite Festival in Koh Kong 
province.

Organizers of the kite flying contest said that due to weak winds this season, judging will not cover the kite's sound. Instead they will be judging the kites based on two criteria, beauty and flying technique.

Cambodians believe that flying "Kleng Ek", a symbol of the Cambodian culture, represents peace and happiness for them as well as to friends across the world.

Kite flyers from 22 provinces and eight countries participated in the festival, that was organized by the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the Koh Kong provincial authority.

Koh Kong, located in Southwestern Cambodia, some 280 kilometers from the capital Phnom Penh, is thought to be the most beautiful coastal province in the country. Organizers hope the festival will help promote tourism in the sea-side town.

Editor: Liu Fang | Source: CCTV.com