Kite Festival in Thailand

The most popular sport in Thailand - kite launchRunning kites has always been one of the most popular sports for the inhabitants of this country and has been under the patronage of local monarchs for centuries. In recent years, interest in this entertainment in the world has increased, which has led to the creation of many interesting designs and the improvement of materials used to make kites.

Thai snakes are remarkable for their unique structure and flight style. Ordinary specimens are often made in the form of an owl, fish, human face, or snake, and their length is usually less than 25 feet.

Well, real snakes for traditional competitions are divided into two main types: Chula and Pakpao. Interestingly, Pakpao is considered a “female” snake and Chula is considered a “male” snake.

Chula is a strong large (193 cm long and 254 in height) snake on a bamboo frame, made in the form of a five-pointed star. On its tail there are several bamboo “spikes” for catching “female” snakes.

Pakpao, as a true femina, is distinguished by deceptive fragility. This snake has a diamond-shaped shape, its length is only 75, and its height is 88 centimeters. The advantage of Pakpao is its exceptional maneuverability. In addition, it has its own weapon – a loop that serves to capture the opponent. Playful, miniature Pakpao, driven by an expert, is a formidable opponent.

The competition between “different-sex” volatile structures is considered one of the most spectacular spectacles of the wind festival. During the official tournament, a special field in the center is divided by a rope into two halves. The Chula team is positioned against the wind and the Pakpao team is positioned against the wind. The point of the competition is to hook the opponent and drag him to his territory. For this purpose, “male” snakes use so-called “barbs” (that is, special spines). Well, the “female” snakes throw a 12-meter rope lasso, or their own tail, entangle and drag on their half.

Interestingly, Thailand is the only country where a special rope is required to launch snakes, which is made by hand from the bark of the local ban tree. First, the bark is soaked in water for two weeks, then the obtained raw materials are long beaten with a wooden sledgehammer and combed, resulting in short strong fibers, from which the rope is weaved. This process is characterized by duration and laborious, since the length of the standard cord for one “female” snake is about 100 meters, and for the “male” – 300 meters.

Thus, the Pakpao team needs a total of 300 meters of rope, and the Chula team – as much as 900 meters! And now calculate how long it will take to produce all the necessary material, if an experienced craftsman is able to weave no more than 6 meters of cord per day. However, such a product is durable and, with careful attitude, can last more than one season.

Another important event of the festival is a review of masterpieces of domestic and international snake-building, as well as a demonstration of the capabilities of sports snakes. Especially many participants come from Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Korea, countries such as England, Sweden, New Zealand, the United States and Australia are well represented. Ordinary tourists also have something to entertain themselves: they have the opportunity not only to watch flights, but also to visit thematic exhibitions, buy souvenirs and get acquainted with the peculiarities of national cuisine.