The Department of Culture and Fine Arts of Kampong Chhnang province is making 100 kites to dedicate to the wind god at a traditional event that Cambodians hold on December 8.

Sok Thuok, director of the Kampong Chhnang Provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts, said yesterday that the tradition of kite flying is also part of the Khmer national identity. Therefore, the Department of Culture and Fine Arts is reviving kite flying as most Cambodians have lost interest in the tradition.

He said that for most people a kite is a toy, however, kites are an art form in Cambodian culture.

He said: “In the traditional ceremony, there is a kite flying competition with a limit on the type of kites used. However, Department of Culture and Fine Arts is waiting for permission from Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts regarding the competition.”

In order to preserve kite flying, the Department of Culture and Fine Arts has invited older people in the province’s Kampong Leng district who are skilled in making kites to train the next generation of young Cambodians in the art form.

He stated that Khmer kites are accepted by the international community when the ministry holds events abroad, but in Cambodia it seems people have lost interest in kites.

According to a series of Khmer traditions and customs compiled by writer Miech Ponn, kite flying reflects the character of Cambodian society, where living in harmony with nature is influenced by nature and uses natural energy for living as well as recreation.

Based on the historical record and Khmer legend, it is believed that the Khmer kite flying ceremony began around 400 BC.

You Sophea, Professor of Culture and Civilisation at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said that in order to preserve the kite-flying culture, each province must set up a kite-flying cultural event or a competition to attract young people to participate.

He added: “There is less interest in kite flying these days, but there is still some kite flying in the country with kite flying being re-introduced with the support of Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. ”