They say that every visitor to Bali should see at least one dance and if you plan to see only one then this should be it. The combination of ancient ritual, dance, humour, drama, sunset and cliff setting makes the Kecak Ramayana Fire Dance one [...]
One of the most festive and celebrated Bali Hindu holidays after Nyepi, is Galungan, which occurs every 210 days and always on Wednesday. This 10 day celebration is where most of the island return to their village and celebrates with family and friends. You will [...]
Today is Tumpek Pengatag, where the Balinese Hindus celebrate and bless the plants and trees. This is held 25 days before Galungan on the Balinese calendar. Balinese Hindus give their offerings to plants as an expression of gratitude for the food and many roles plants [...]
Today Balinese Hindus celebrate Tumpek Landep. Saying thanks to all metal tools and objects and praying for a sharper mind. Balinese believe the greatest weapon is their mind, they wish for more intelligence, to overcome their enemy and objects in life such as poverty and [...]
Selamat Hari Raya Saraswati. Today Bali Hindus celebrate and recognise the Goddess of knowledge Saraswati. She is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts and nature. She is symbolised with four hands representing 4 elements of human personality in learning including the mind, intellect, alertness [...]
Did you know the offerings you see everywhere are part of the daily Balinese Hindu rituals, are all hand made every day in their 1000's ? Usually by the Ibu ( mothers). They can be purchased for around 10 000 Rupiah ready made, however if [...]
After some really unfortunate events occurring this past year for me, a Balinese Hindu friend suggested we head on out to Sebatu ( about 10 minutes from Ubud) for a Melukat purification ceremony. I'm of no particular religion and I really didn't want to impose, however [...]
During July and August it is time for 'Mepandes' the Balinese tooth-filing ceremony. According to Balinese Hindus the ceremony will rid them of negative traits and as teeth are the symbol of lust, greed, anger, insobriety, confusion and jealousy. Therefore filing the front 6 teeth flat renders someone both more physically and more spiritually [...]
The traditional ikat weaving process describes the way the pattern is made. It is a very time consuming business. The undyed yarns are tied together in such a way that, when the frame containing all the yarns is put into the die, they remain uncoloured. [...]
You will have noticed that kites of all shapes and sizes are always flying around the island. The children love them however they are actually very important to the adults. From June until September it is the windy season in Bali and the ancient tradition [...]
