Kelantan Arts Festival Strengthens Unity, Celebrates Arts And Cultural Heritage
KOTA BHARU, July 8 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan Arts Festival (FKRK) 2026, held at Tok Bali Tourism Jetty in Pasir Puteh from July 1 to 4, served as a platform to strengthen unity and promote the spirit of Malaysia MADANI.
In a statement, the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) said FKRK 2026 featured programmes that reflected the identity and uniqueness of Kelantan’s heritage, including the ‘Titih Bonda Pusaka Ayahanda’ special performance, with a multi-racial percussion performance as a symbol of social harmony while also showcasing the state’s traditional arts.
The performance featured prominent local arts figures such as Roy Kapilla, Amy Search, Datuk Dr Lim Swee Tin, Paksu Agil, Megat Haikal, Zamry Gerak Khas, Joe Rajuna, the Dikir Barat Kala Mahajara ensemble and Mak Yong Kijang Mas troupe.
According to JKKN, visitors had the opportunity to participate in various competitions and interactive activities, including a traditional dance competition for children, Mek and Awe Comey competition (traditional costume fashion show), ADABI cooking competition, Kelantan Sirih Junjung arrangement competition, traditional pulut (glutinous rice) competition and traditional games throughout the festival.
“JKKN Kelantan also organised demonstrations of folk sports such as gasing uri (top spinning), traditional wau-making and gold carving, and traditional arts performances including Wayang Kulit, Mak Yong, Main Teri and Menora,” it said.
There were also craft product sales, exhibitions by government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as the Kelantan Berselawat programme to observe the blessed Friday night.
The uniqueness of FKRK 2026 was further highlighted through a community feast, a decorated Perahu Kolek boat parade showcasing traditional carvings with awan larat motifs, and the Wakaf Seni Budaya, which brought together performances, exhibitions and knowledge-sharing sessions, including a special segment titled ‘Kearifan Tempatan di Alam Kecil Rumah Kelantan Tiang 12’ (Local Wisdom in the Microcosm of the Kelantan 12-Pillar House).
The festival also witnessed the launch of Rebana Ubi Inovasi, a ready-to-assemble product that is lighter, more practical and affordable, developed through research since 2022 to empower the rebana ubi heritage and ensure it remains relevant and easily passed down to younger generations.
Meanwhile, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said FKRK 2026, themed ‘Pakat Maghi Belako, Tengok Mene Kito’, not only preserves arts and cultural heritage but also serves as a platform to strengthen unity, promote the Malaysia MADANI spirit and support the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
The festival, organised by MOTAC through JKKN, was held in collaboration with the Kelantan state government and Nasrom Travel Sdn Bhd, with support from the Pasir Puteh Land and District Office and Pasir Puteh District Council.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud and attended by State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamarudin Md Nor and JKKN director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris.
-- BERNAMA
Latest News
- Johor Polls: Over 120 Former Bersatu Members Declare Support For PH
- KPDN Raids Factory For Suspected Use Of Unauthorised Halal Logo
- Hulu Semenyih Muslim Cemetery Project Planned Since 2005 - Hannah
- Cabinet Agrees To Strengthen Parliamentary Role In Public Prosecutor Appointment Process
- Halal Home Grown Champion Programme Generates RM187.91 Million Potential Sales From 2024–2026