Illuminated kites light up skies over Pendang village
LATE at night, some Kampung Panchor villagers in Pendang, Kedah gather to fly the wau, a traditional kite, after terawih prayers.

The kites, adorned with LED lights, have been creating a lively ambience nightly in the village and attracting crowds of spectators, including residents from neighbouring villages.

According to Muhammad Ammar Mohd Kamal, 24, a resident of Kampung Panchor, the idea to fly the wau at night was prompted by the presence of the east wind.

“We used to play during the day but due to the current hot weather, we’ve taken to playing at night after terawih (night) prayers.

“The turnout of spectators has exceeded my expectations. Sometimes there are hundreds of spectators,” he told Bernama.

Muhammad Ammar said the activity, which was initially started by five youngsters from the village, has now expanded to 40 residents of different ages.

LED-lit kites have been creating a lively ambience nightly in Kampung Panchor in Pendang, Kedah.

They would gather around 11pm and spend three to four hours flying their wau.

Muhammad Firdaus Ahmad, 26, said making the wau was simple and affordable, making it accessible for many villagers.

He said making a 1m-high wau only requires split bamboo, a thin layer of plastic and colourful LED lights to attach to the wau.

“Although making wau is uncomplicated, not everyone knows how to do it.

“So we help by making kites for those who want to play,” he said.

Kampung Panchor Residents’ Community deputy chairman Mohamad Mohd Saad, 65, said the wau-flying activity was a good platform to foster stronger bonds among villagers.

He added that engaging youths and teenagers in the traditional game could help to steer them away from less beneficial activities, such as playing firecrackers or loitering.
LATE at night, some Kampung Panchor villagers in Pendang, Kedah gather to fly the wau, a traditional kite, after terawih prayers.