Tag Archive for: tradition

WHEN TWO CELEBRATIONS MEET: NYEPI AND EID AL-FITR AROUND PURI DAJUMA

/in

This year brings a very special moment in Bali, as two important celebrations from different cultures fall very close to each other. The island is preparing for Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence for Hindus, followed shortly after by Eid al-Fitr, the joyful celebration marking the end of Ramadan for Muslims. Around Puri Dajuma, both traditions can be seen side by side, creating a unique atmosphere of harmony, culture, and community.

In the villages surrounding Dajuma Terrace and Dajuma Beach, preparations for Nyepi have been underway for weeks. Balinese youth groups have been working together to build impressive Ogoh-Ogoh, large artistic statues symbolizing negative forces. These creations, made with incredible creativity and teamwork, will be paraded through the village streets on the eve of Nyepi before being ceremonially burned, symbolizing the purification of the world.

Another important ritual that takes place before Nyepi is Melasti, a sacred purification ceremony held by the sea. Not far from Puri Dajuma, groups of villagers dressed in traditional white attire walk in procession toward the beach, carrying sacred temple objects and offerings. Accompanied by prayers, music, and colorful ceremonial umbrellas, the ritual symbolizes spiritual cleansing before entering the quiet reflection of Nyepi.

While the Hindu community prepares for their sacred day of silence, the Muslim community around Dajuma Beach is also busy preparing for their upcoming celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Young people in the village enthusiastically build beautiful miniature of mosque, which will later be carried through the streets during the Takbiran parade. This lively procession takes place on the night before Eid, filled with joyful chants, lights, and community spirit.

What makes this year particularly special is the timing. Because Nyepi and Eid fall so close together, the atmosphere in Bali feels especially festive. From spiritual ceremonies and cultural traditions to joyful community parades, the island is alive with preparation and celebration.

For guests staying at Puri Dajuma, it is a rare opportunity to witness two beautiful cultural traditions unfolding almost at the same time. One brings a day of complete silence and reflection, while the other celebrates togetherness and gratitude after a month of fasting.

Together, these moments reflect the true spirit of Bali: a place where different cultures, beliefs, and traditions live in harmony, creating a rich and vibrant tapestry of life.

WELCOME TO BABY DELSIN

/in

Last week, Dina, our Sales and Marketing Manager, invited friends and colleagues to a special ceremony in Bali known as the Nyambutin Ceremony, held to celebrate the 105th day (three months in the Balinese calendar) of her second child.
The Nyambutin ceremony is a traditional Balinese Hindu ritual performed to welcome a baby into the family, the community, and the spiritual world of the Balinese people. It is believed that until this age, the baby’s soul remains closely connected to the spiritual realm. In other words, the ceremony is intended to “introduce” the child to the earthly realm.
The ceremony consists of several stages. First, the baby is taken to the beach for a ritual that calls upon the soul to fully unite with the body. The ceremony then continues at the family compound, where the baby undergoes a purification process involving special offerings. During this stage, the baby is unclothed, bathed with holy water, and allowed to step on the ground for the very first time. A special ritual is also performed to retrieve jewelry in the form of bracelets and anklets, which are placed in a container filled with water. The baby’s name is formally announced or blessed during this stage as well. The adornment of the bracelets symbolizes the family’s love and marks the beginning of the baby’s journey through life, signifying that the child is now ready for social interaction and connection. The ceremony concludes with the baby being dressed in full traditional Balinese attire, followed by a sacred blessing.
We are delighted to share that Dina’s baby boy, I Made Delsin Mesasoma, born on May 19, 2025, was beautifully welcomed into the world through this heartfelt tradition.

DANCING LESSONS AT DAJUMA TERRACE

/in

Since its founding in 2002, Dajuma has been committed to preserving and promoting local Balinese traditions, inviting guests to experience them firsthand. This dedication continues at our second resort, Dajuma Terrace, with the introduction of Balinese Dancing Lessons, held every Wednesday at 4 PM. Whether you choose to participate or simply enjoy the mesmerizing performance, it’s a wonderful way to connect with the rich culture of Bali. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience during your next stay at Dajuma Terrace!

A BEAUTIFULL TRADITION IN DAJUMA FOR NEWLYWEDS

/in

Since its opening in 2002, Dajuma has a habit of surprising newlyweds by decorating their beds with flowers. A beautiful tradition that is expressed today by this magnificent floral decoration shown in the photo. It required a good hour of preparation by our stewardship staff who are not lacking in imagination. For the newlyweds, the surprise is total because everything is prepared in the greatest secrecy in cooperation with the travel agents. Hope you like it!

LET’s DANCE

/in

With the emergence of the Omicron variant, the prospects for a return to normalcy are fading again in Bali. For how long? Nobody knows it, but in Dajuma anyway, we do everything to welcome you in the best possible conditions, in terms of comfort and hygiene.
This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming a group of doctors and nurses who are on the front lines of the fight against the pandemic.
We would have liked to reconnect with the memorable Dajuma evenings organized around traditional dances accompanied by local orchestras. But distancing requires, it will be for the next time, just waiting for you!

FOR BALINESE AND FOR BALI LOVERS: KITES, TRADITIONS, ART AND FUN

/in

Playing kites or “Melayangan” is a tradition going through generations that is assiduously practiced by Balinese people. It is originated from the habits of farmer’s children who spend their time playing in the rice fields. To get rid of boredom while guarding the fields and livestock, they have fun playing kites. In Bali, there is a mythological story of “Rare Angon” or the god of kites. “Rare Angon” is believed by Hindus to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva who has the image of a child while herding buffaloes in the fields, so the kites traditions also called as Rare Angon Traditions.

Traditional Balinese kites are known for their three forms. First, the Be-bean kite. This kite is shaped like a fish, the word Be in be-bean means fish in Balinese.

Second, is the Pecuk Kite. The shape of this kite is simple. Has four corners that are bent and look like leaves. It is called “Pecuk” because in Balinese, pecuk means to bend.

The last is the Janggan kite. This kite is a sacred kite. The shape is very unique, like a dragon which is believed by Balinese people to be like a guardian of the balance and stability of the earth.

Between July – September, anywhere you see the Bali’s sky will beautifully decorated and various shapes of kites. In front of Dajuma everyday you will see children playing with their kites.

Will you play with them next time you visit us?

ANNUAL JEGOG FESTIVAL AT RAMBUT SIWI

/in , , ,

One of the Jembrana’s annual event is the Jegog Festival which was held this year over 3 days, from December 3rd to 5th.
Jegog is a form of gamelan music indigenous to Bali, played on instruments made of bamboo. Born in West Bali in the 1920’s in a small village close to Dajuma, it has started to become popular in other regions of Bali and even abroad in Japan, Germany and the US.
The annual festival aims at preserving, developing and fostering Jegog as a cultural object of prime importance. It is a unique traditional music as a symbol of creativity and the original identity of Jembrana people and culture. This year, the festival agenda was particularly heavy with the participation of 84 Jegog groups from all around Jembrana (including school groups) and 2,520 artists. Hundreds of visitors, including our guests, enjoyed the exhibitions of the forms and types of Jegog and listened their unique sounds. Seminars attended by jegog artists, cultural figures, creators and observers of the Jegog also took place. On the last day, mass Jegog staging (Jegog Mebarung) accompanied by the performance of Joged Dance shown on the picture closed the festival.

HAPPY EVENT IN DAJUMA

/in , , ,

On September 25th, Dajuma was happy to celebrate a special event, the wedding of our front desk officer Astari with Riski, previously cook at Dajuma and now teacher at the Negara Hotel School. One day before the celebration, according to the Balinese custom, the families of the fiances invited their relatives to a joyful party in Astari’s family house, located close to Dajuma. And on September 25th was the wedding ceremony, where some of our guests were invited to join and congratulate the young married. We are used to inform our guests about ceremonies around the hotel and pleased to invite them, if they would like to participate in. A day after the wedding day (September 26th ) was the wedding reception at Riski’s house and all of our staff came to attend it. Congratulations Astari and Risky! Our best wishes of happyness!

KUKUL ANOTHER INTERESTING TRADITION OF BALINESE CULTURE

/in ,

Kulkul is a traditional communication tool of the Balinese people. It is a big wooden bell installed at the top of decorated towers erected in the middle of each village in Bali. Inherited from the ancestors one can find it in every traditional organization in Bali. It is used like an alarm for Balinese people and, depending on the number of strikes on the bell, has different meanings such as invitations to regular meetings of the villagers, ceremony preparations or natural disasters. Besides having a role in the lives of Balinese people, Kulkul is also used in smaller size, as a musical instrument in several art performances. This is what is shown on the picture this week. Dajuma is used to organise entertainments combining traditional Balinese music (Jegog) and dances. At the end of the show, our guests are invited to come on stage and play the Kukul instrument with our musicians. They love it!

How the villagers of Pekutatan celebrate Independence Day

/in , , , , ,

In August, all Indonesia is keen to comemorate the independence day. Many funny activities were held on this occasion. Having no desire to break with this fine tradition, Pekutatan Village held its own activities, prepared and organised by its villagers. Few days before the independence day, there are some funny games, gate decoration competition using only natural material, Balinese dances performances and many more (see on picture). On August 17th was the formal flag ceremony, with the participation of students from the local schools based in Pekutatan, government officials, police, army and villagers representatives. This year, all the participants of flag ceremony were wearing Balinese traditional dress based on the instruction of the Bali Governor.