Arts in pictures: into a magical realm with Panggung Pusaka fest

Tok Puteri Che Mohd Zailani Che Moh, better known as Pak Mat Jedok, raising the spiritual intensity during the Main Puteri show. It is a healing performance tradition practised in Kelantan and southern Thailand. A form of traditional psychotherapy, Main Puteri incorporates elements of dance, music, and oral poetry to heal patients suffering from emotional or spiritual illness. – Photo: Putra Othman, Pusaka

A traditional culture festival in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is always a welcome addition to the arts calendar. Panggung Pusaka: Senandung Kota, which took place at the creative arts space The Godown Kuala Lumpur on Oct 6-8, introduced Malaysia’s living traditions to an enthusiastic urban audience.

Curated and produced by cultural organisation Pusaka, the festival presented an array of performances, workshops, and conversations featuring masters of traditional arts from diverse communities across Malaysia – Main Puteri of Kelantan, Kuda Kepang of Johor, Dondang Sayang of Melaka, Mah Meri indigenous performers, Sumazau dancers of Sabah, Urumee Melum drummers, and Silat Jawi practitioners.