Soaring beautie Es

200 enthusiasts showcase their creations S at 17th World Kite Fest

THE sky over Pasir Gudang was once again lined with a breathtaking display of kites from different parts of the world at the 17th World Kite Festival in Pasir Gudang, Johor.

The event, themed 1Sky, 1Culture, showcased kites from more than 225 enthusiasts from 34 countries such as Turkey, India, Nepal, China, Japan, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America, Indonesia and Brunei took part this year.

Enthusiasts were treated to displays of kites of different shapes, sizes and designs, including box kites, the wau, Japanese traditional Rokaku kites as well as windmill kites.

A flying dragon could also be seen over the skies atbuk made by first-time Jun, 57, from Beijin

“The 40-metre-l way of celebrating and I spent one m time for the kite fe

“The dragon’s h make as the fea designed so that through and make Liu, who owns a c turing company.

Visitor Sim Leng

ukit Layang-layang, e participant Liu Xi ng. long dragon is my g the dragon year month making it in estival. head is difficult to atures had to be t wind can flow e it fly easily,” said charcoal manufacg Hong, 32, a kindergarten teacher who brought along her four-year-old daughter to the annual event, said she was impressed by the participants’ passion.

“I spoke to some of the foreign participants and I admire their skills and enthusiasm because theres is no way I can make a kite from scratch,” she said with a laugh.

Terengganu kite maker Amidi Muhammad, 42, said that he was happy to see people flying the wau merak at the event.

“My late father taught me how to make wau when I was 10 years old and I haven’t stopped making them since.

“Events like this is important because besides keeping up with new kite flying technology, it also reminds us to preserve our tradition,” he said, adding that he has been participating in the festival since 2005.

Besides kite flying activities, there were also workshops, bazaars and kite making contests throughout the five-day festival.

Flying colours: The kite-dotted sky above Bukit Layang-layang in Pasir Gudang during the festival.

Cute: Bright coloured kites of different shapes and sizes take centerstage at the five-day fest.

Ready for take-off: Participants from Australia preparing to fly their green box kite.

Long one: A cylindrical kite being readied for flying.

Fierce looking: Liu and fellow participant Yu flying the dragon kite which he made to celerbrate the dragon New Year.