The island of Gods, Bali, offers unforgettable ceremonies that show that Balinese honoring every aspect of their life. They celebrate their religion with offerings, dance, music, and colorful traditional clothing. To become the part of the ceremony – even if you’re only watching, will be one of the most unforgettable things you can do on this island.

Find out more about some of the major Balinese Hindu ceremonies!

Nyepi – The day of silence

Nyepi is not really a ceremony – it is a day of silence. This day marks the start of a new year on the Saka calendar. Nyepi day fully dedicated to connecting oneself closer with God – Hyang Widi Wasa. There are four basic restrictions on Nyepi day: no fire, no working, no traveling, and no leisure activities

Pic cr: visaforbali.com

Galungan and Kuningan – The victory of good against evil

Galungan is a celebration of the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil). It lasted for 10 days and it is believed that during that period, Gods and spirits of ancestors will come to visit the earth and their former homes

Kuningan day is celebrated at the end of the Galungan holiday. Balinese believe that on this day, their ancestors return to heaven. They also make offerings to be given to the ancestors on their farewell day.

Pic cr: forumstudimajapahit.com

Saraswati – The day of knowledge

Saraswati day celebrates the day when knowledge is given by God through the beautiful Goddess of Knowledge, Saraswati. Students in Balinese school will perform some rituals such as singing a holy song, dancing a traditional dance, decorating their school, etc ‍

Pic cr: facebook.com/tejapranaresort

Pagerwesi – The day of Wisdom

Three days after Saraswati day, Balinese celebrate Pagerwesi day – where they strengthen their minds and souls against evil forces. Pager and wesi in Balinese mean fence and iron which symbolized strong self-protection The God who is worshipped on this day is Sanghyang Paramesti Guru of God Shiva.

Pic cr: kayumanis.com

Odalan – Temple festival

Usually, there are daily, weekly, monthly, and annual Odalan ceremony held by Balinese. It usually lasts for 3-7 days or more, depends on the size of the temple. Before Odalan, locals are busy preparing offerings and also decorating the temple. This ceremony is very important because it ensures spiritual harmony in the island.

Pic cr: twitter.com/karisma_bali

Tumpek Kandang

Among many ceremonies in Bali, one of them is to worship the God of animals, Sang Hyang Rare-Angon. Balinese consider animals as a friend for life because they assist humans in daily life

The celebration can be seen at zoos or wildlife preserves. This day reminds people to keep in touch with nature and be grateful for what it is provided.

Pic cr: Instagram.com/sekilasbali

Tumpek Landep

On this day, locals make offerings and pray to God for their tools which made of metals such as iron, bronze, gold, etc

Most Balinese people believe that these ceremonies and blessings will bring them luck and keep them safe. Tumpek Landep also reminds us to sharpen our thought that it will lead us to the purity of our soul.

Pic cr: teakbali.com

Tumpak Uduh

The ceremony is devoted to Sanghyang Sangkara, the God of food, which believed by the Balinese provide them with good crops and products. During the ceremony, Balinese pleasing Sanghyang Sangkara and asking for guidance on the cultivation, growth, harvesting, and preservation of the plants

Pic cr: blog.kura2guide.com/

References

Bali Golden Tour. (n.d.). BALI OGOH-OGOH | BALI GIANT PUPPET FESTIVAL. Retrieved from http://www.baligoldentour.com/ogoh-ogoh.php

Balinese Holiday and Ceremony - Pagerwesi Day | BaliSpirit. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.balispirit.com/community/ceremony-public/pagerwesi-day

Balinese Holiday and Ceremony – Tumpek Kandang | BaliSpirit. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.balispirit.com/community/ceremony-public/tumpek-kandang

Murni’s in Bali. (n.d.) Balinese Ceremonies. Retrieved from https://www.murnis.com/culture/balinese-ceremonies/

Odalan – Temple’s Ceremony. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://villacasamateo.wordpress.com/2012/11/24/odalan-temples-ceremony/

Saraswati – Day of Knowledge. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.vilondo.com/when-to-go-to-bali/balinese-holidays/saraswati-day-of-knowledge/

Siteffect. (2019). Ceremonies in Bali, Galungan and Kuningan. Retrieved from https://volunteerprogramsbali.org/galungan-and-kuningan/

Tumpek Uduh, Bali Earth Day Dates 2020 - Celebrations & Festival. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.balitravelhub.com/events/tumpek-uduh/

Wonderful Indonesia. (2019). The Galungan and Kuningan Religious Festivals on Bali. Retrieved from https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/event-festivals/the-galungan-and-kuningan-religious-festivals-on-bali

Wiryadi, R. (2016). Tumpek Landep: Time for Sharpening the Mind – Ubud Community. Retrieved from https://ubudcommunity.com/tumpek-landep-time-for-sharpening-the-mind/