Tag Archive for: celebration

Galungan celebration

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A special célébration time began already in Bali, culminating with Galungan Day, this Wednesday, December 17th.
Galungan marks the beginning of the most important recurring cérémonies according to the ’210 day Balinese Pawukon Calendar’. The festival symbolizes the victory of good (Dharma)over evil (Adharma) and encourages the Balinese to show their gratitude to the Creator.
The spirits of deceased relatives who have been cremated return to visit their former homes, and the current inhabitants have a responsability to be hospitable through prayers and offerings.
6 days before is the day to purify, 3 and 2 days before  are dedicated to méditation, then the day before people erect the ‘penjor’ in front of each house.
Offerings and praying are made to God and holy ancestral spirits who come down to earth. The Balinese usually return to their family hometowns and villages to reunite with their families and elders.
Here on the picture the colorful holy decoration used for the celebration of Galungan: they are made of palm tree leaves and orn the streets in the villages as well as the houses.

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!

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.

Tumpek Landep celebration

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Tumpek Landep, or the Day of the Iron, for the Hindu Balinese, is devoted to Sang Hyang Pasupati, the Lord of metal tools and weapons. This celebration is specific to weaponry and vehicles (containing iron elements). Dajuma cars, motorbikes, tools, fishing equipment etc., are washed clean and decorated with small, color offerings made of palm leaves. The meaning of this is, just like the sharp iron: With this celebration,  Hindus pray so that these material things continue to be strong, bring good fortune to their owners, and clean their soul.