TRADITIONAL GAMES, FESTIVALS AND PASTIMES

TRADITIONAL GAMES & PASTIMES 

Kite-flying is hugely popular here, not only among the boys but also the men. The most popular kite, or "wau"., is the moon kite, so named because of its crescent-shaped tail. Competitions are regularly held, and the winners are judged not only on how the kite flies, but also on the shape, colour and ornamentation, as well as on the grace with which the kite can be manoeuvred.

Top-spinning in Kelantan is basically an adult affair. Contests are held between pairs of men to determine how long one´s top, or "gasing", can spin. After the initial throw of the spin, it is expertly transferred to a stand, where it is left spinning until it stops.

Finally, there is the traditional pastime of rearing birds for their singing prowess, and then entering them in bird singing contests. This pastime is popular in the northern States as a whole. The bird normally used for this purpose in Kelantan is the merbok. Bull-fighting, which used to be a very popular pastime in Kelantan during the past, is now banned.

FESTIVALS 

Besides the usual religious festivals celebrated in the country as a whole, Kelantan is internationally renowned for hosting the International Kite Festival at Pantai Sri Tujuh near Tumpat. This is an annual event which attracts participants from all over the world.