Kite festivals held in Colombo and Bali

Major kite festivals are being held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Bali, Indonesia, highlighting regional cultural traditions and tourism.

The Derana Colombo International Kite Festival 2026 is scheduled for August 9 at Galle Face Green. The event features 80 international kite flyers from 30 countries and over 1,500 local participants. The program includes Sri Lanka's first-ever Night Kite Festival with illuminated kites, a musical concert, and a food festival. The 2026 theme is inspired by the Kandy Esala Perahera. Organizers aim to promote Colombo and Sri Lanka as international tourism destinations through this expanded week-long program.

In Bali, the 17th Mel Tanjung Kite Festival took place at Mekarsari Beach in Sanur. The event featured 1,685 traditional and creative kites. Competitions were held for both youth and adults, including traditional categories such as Bebean, Janggan, and Pecuk. To preserve Balinese cultural identity, participants in traditional categories were required to use fabric in specific colors: red, yellow, black, and white.