The Melayangan tradition is closely related to the folklore of "Rare Angon".
It is believed that Lord Shiva as the kite god descends to earth when the harvest season has ended. Rare Angon marks the period by blowing a flute to summon the wind.
Rare Angon means shepherd boy. After the harvest season, the farmers especially the shepherd boys have more free time for fun.
While looking after food supplies and livestock, one of the games they often play is kite flying.
For the Balinese, kites have a prominent value and are not just empty flying objects without value.
Balinese people believe that kites have bodies, bones and spirits, just like any other living creature.
The kite festival is one of the most anticipated events in Bali. This event is held regularly every year.
The festival was first held in 1979 at Subak Tanjung Bungkak in Denpasar. After almost a quarter of a century, the kite festival still receives an overwhelming response from the public.
[ED/AY]
