Metatah Ceremony Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

Metatah Ceremony

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In the Hindu religion there are 5 great elements belonging to Mother Nature: earth, water, air, fire and space. The humankind being part of it, each of these powers must be strongly linked to the humans, our bones to the earth, our blood to the water, our energy to the air, our body temperature to the fire and all of the orifices of the human body to the space.
An important ceremony called Metatah in Bali consists in filing the teeth of boys and girls reaching the adult’s age. This small sacrifice is a purification exercise aimed at reinforcing the link between humans and the earth.
On the picture Gusti Ayu Meggy Andari from our staff’ families, just went through this important event, unique in her adults’ life. Our sincere congratulations!

Bayu, Ayu and Ari celebrated their Mepetik ceremony Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

Bayu, Ayu and Ari celebrated their Mepetik ceremony

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Bayu, one of our restaurant supervisor and the two children Ari and Ayu of our HR Manager Erly went last week through this important ceremony which takes place only one time in their life and called Mepetik. It consists in cutting the hair in such a way that your soul gets purified and ready for your adult’s life.
On the picture, Bayu, Ayu and Ari with the traditional Balinese dressing just received the blessing of the priest and the community.

The tradition of floral decoration in Bali Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

The tradition of floral decoration in Bali

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One of the most fascinating tradition in Bali is the preparation of decorative arrangements, generally made from flowers, bamboo and palm leaves. Everybody in a Balinese family is skilled enough to invent these decorations sometimes very complex. They are used as offerings to the Gods and decoration in the temples and houses.
Dajuma staff does not escape this beautiful tradition. Every day, our staff collects flowers in the garden and prepares nice floral decorations which enchants our guests, especially honeymooners!
Here on the picture, Setha from Germany made this beautiful decoration, trained by Erly our HR Manager.

Tumpek Landep : a sympathetic tradition in Bali Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

Tumpek Landep : a sympathetic tradition in Bali

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Once a year, Hindus in Bali are used to celebrate what we call here the Tumpek Landep.
Don’t try to guess what it is, it is just impossible !
The tradition is to  consider that all objects of the daily life made of iron including cars, motorcycles, engines, tools, etc.  is a gift from the Gods. As such, they must be celebrated in a specific ceremony called Tumpek Landep. All the objects of the hotel made of iron are gathered in a single place and blessed by the Priest while the staff prays and thanks the Gods for their benefactions.
On the picture, some of the cars of the hotel specially decorated on this occasion.

Natacha 6 months stay Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

Natacha 6 months stay

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After several stays at Dajuma in the last 2 years, Natacha, an executive woman from France, decided to make a break in her hectic professional career by staying for 6 months in Dajuma.
During this time she got more and more acquainted with the rich Balinese culture and traditions. She built a lot of friendly relationships with the staff and the villagers, and even participated in the outing to Jogjakarta with them.
«My living among Balinese people was the way to find the new spirit I was kooking for, we shared so much!”
Here on the picture, she is preparing some decorations, learning from Tini the head of the Spa how to create from the bamboo leaves these adorable suspending decorations.

Nyepi celebration at Dajuma Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

Nyepi celebration at Dajuma

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On March 31st, 2014, Dajuma celebrated Nyepi, the famous “Day of Silence” that is commemorated every Isaka Warsa (new year) in the Balinese calendar.
Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection and as such, anything that might interfere like lighting fires (lights must be kept low), working, entertainment or pleasure, traveling; and, for some, talking or eating is restricted. The effect of these prohibitions is that Bali’s usually bustling streets and roads are empty, there is little or no noise from TVs and radios, and few signs of activity are seen even inside homes. Even the airport is closed on that day.
Pictured below, the day before Nyepi, Dajuma staff celebrated the Melasti Ritual on the beach in front of the hotel. Dedicated to Sanghyang Widhi Wasa. this ritual is performed in Pura (Balinese temple) near the sea (Pura Segara) and meant to purify Arca, Pratima, and Pralingga (sacred objects) belonging to several temples, also to acquire sacred water from the sea.

Gandi’s Rajasewala ceremony Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

Gandi’s Rajasewala ceremony

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Last Monday, our guests (Natacha on the right, with her traditional Kebaya dress) were invited to participate in a special ceremony in Pekutatan village.
Gandi, the son of our chief gardener Anom (smiling with the blue hat on the picture) went through his Rajasewala ceremony, an important ritual in the Hindu religion for all children, boys and girls, reaching 17 years old. The ceremony recognizes the transition from childhood to adulthood. On this occasion, Gandi received the blessing from the Gods, the priest, the family and the village community.
We wish him all the best in his adult life!

Happy New Year! Selamat Tahun Baru! Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

Happy New Year! Selamat Tahun Baru!

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This New Year celebration has been particularly festive at Dajuma. More than 50 guests enjoyed a delicious typical Balinese dinner served in the garden while 3 orchestras (Jeggog, Gamelan and Gongs) accompanied by Balinese dancers were playing. When midnight approached, all the guests were invited to come on stage to play with the musicians. After the traditional greetings, fireworks were launched from the beach. Thanks to the “weather keepers” from Pekutatan village, the sky remained clear almost all the night. A wonderful moment shared between the guests and the staff. Happy New Year 2014! Selamat Tahun Baru!

Ocean Celebration Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

Ocean Celebration

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About one hundred people gathered last week-end on Pekutatan west beach, just beside Dajuma, to celebrate the ocean in both religions Hindu and Muslim. On the Hindu side, the ceremony on the beach was the continuation of the temple ceremony that took place at Asah Duren Village (one village near by Puri Dajuma). They bring the symbols of god to be purified by a ceremony on the beach. They also brought various agricultural products taken to the sea by traditional fisherman boat as a symbol of gratitude and thanks to God for all the gifts and prosperity. On the Muslim side, a long speech was given by the local imam. A great moment for the Puri Dajuma guests who could appreciate the rare symbiosis of two religions celebrating at the same time and in the same place the ocean and its benefits.

FASCINATING MAKEPUNG BUFFALO RACES Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

Governors Cup Race 2013

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2013 Buffalo race season will end on November 24th, with the Governors Cup Race.  This racing attraction of pair of buffalos remains preserved by farmer’s communities. The racing is not just to win but more intended to give pride to the buffalo owner. Buffalo race is one of the 12 arts categorized into race cultural attraction of Jembrana. Such attraction has been organized since 1920’s, almost simultaneously with the development of the Jegog music. Come spend the weekend at Dajuma. Sunday 24th, we will leave from Dajuma at 8h00am to the racetrack. Another memorable moment of our dear and well preserved West Bali. We are waiting for you.