A feast of culture and art

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THE quaint town of Pekan recently came alive with colour and sound as it played host to the East

Coast Carnival, an event celebrating the culture and arts of Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.

Held over three days, the carnival featured a lot of events carried out to showcase the life of people in the east coast.

Going round and round: The performers dancing to the traditional beat on the floor.

State Tourism, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Shafiq Fauzan Sharif officially opened the event, representing Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, at Pekan Square here recently.

In his speech, Shafiq Fauzan said the culture of the east coast, including customs, conduct, language and food, were all things that would be interesting to foreign visitors.

He added that it was not unusual for visitors to want to learn more about the east coast and, in view of this, serious efforts should be taken to promote local culture.

“However, it is also equally important for the younger generation to know and learn about their own culture. This will also serve as a reminder on their origins, so they do not forget who they are.

“They can be exposed to all kinds of foreign culture and norms but they must stay true to and grounded in their own unique cultures and be proud of its beauty,” he said.

Also present was Information, Communications and Culture Ministry deputy secretary general Datuk Ab Ghaffar A. Thambi.

Vibrating sounds: The drumming on the ‘rabana ubi’.

In his speech, Ab Ghaffar said it was the first time that the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry and the Tourism Ministry had joined forces to organise the event.

He added that arts and culture were among aspects of the country that contributed a lot to help boost tourism.

He also said other countries around the world were banking on their arts and culture to spur their economies.

“The right package and content can be very appealing to foreign tourists. Since we want to make it right, the process to develop and upgrade the arts and culture activities can further help communities build their arts and culture,” he added.

Ab Ghaffar also said the Government would continue to give its support as these activities not only provided commercial gains but also added richness to the country’s aesthetic and intellectual value.

Visitors to the carnival were entertained by a splendid show performed by some 200 dancers from the three states.

The Pahang group danced the popular ‘Joget Pahang’, Terengganu team its ‘Tarian Embun Sosksek’ while the Kelantanese performed the ‘Tarian Wau Bulan’.

Contemporary numbers were also danced by the Indian and Chinese performers.

There was also a resounding and entertaining drum display by the performers from Kelantan whose interesting instruments comprised empty pails, earthenware jars and the traditional rebana ubi.

Pahang put a performance with its Gendang Pahang, while Terengganu performed using Gendang Silat Gendeng, Rodat and Gendang Kercing.

Three singers representing their respective states also took to the stage — Anis Salwa for Pahang, Salem for Terengganu and Roy Kapilla for Kelantan.