Khmer kite ‘Khleng Ek’ tradition in danger of being lost

Elders in the traditional art of Khmer kites, “Khleng Ek”, are concerned about losing the cultural kites as the younger generation pays less attention to the ancient tradition. Kite experts say as the world gets more modern, youth are overwhelmed so they are not interested in practicing this traditional art, thus are apprehensive about the kite’s extinction.

In an exclusive interview,  Culture Ministry’s Cultural Development Department deputy director Roeun Sareth said that few youth are aware of Khleng Ek even though he has promoted its conservation to prevent them from vanishing as they are an intangible culture. “The Cambodian Khleng Ek is specially equipped with a bamboo resonator that can produce several pitches and tones when it is up in the sky,” he said.

“In past times, there was no modern technology like radio, television, or smartphones to access YouTube. People used Khleng Ek to play music and they flew the kites to show appreciation for receiving blessings,” he added. Sareth said: “It’s not that we shouldn’t, it is that we mustn’t forget about Khleng Ek.”

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