TRADITIONS & Communities
Photo credit: Mahesan Selladurai
Tari Asyik (KELANTAN)
Tari Asyik is a Kelantanese court dance that traces its roots to the Sultanate of Pattani during the reign of Ratu Kuning (Yellow Queen) in the 17th century. The Hikayat Patani narrates that the court of Ratu Kuning cultivated a group of twelve dancing maidens, known as Asyik. Legend has it that Asyik dance was created to comfort the grieving Ratu Kuning over the loss of her favourite bird. It is also said to have been the most beloved dance of the legendary Kelantanese princess, Puteri Saadong. Over time, the dance became popular among common people and is now used as folk entertainment during festivals and marriages. The musical accompaniment for Tari Asyik usually consists of gendang (double-headed Malay drum), serunai (Malay oboe) or rebab (spike fiddle), canang (brass percussion), kesi (cymbals), and gong.
PUSAKA works with the Tari Asyik dancers of Jalinan Seni Tanah Merah, from Tanah Merah, Kelantan, under the tutelage of master dancer Cikgu Ramli.
Photo credit: Mahesan Selladurai
