Bali: A haven of peace

Bali could be best described as sanctuary of profound peace, a world away from the world. It is situated between Java and Lombok, with the Java Sea to the north and Indian Ocean to the south of the magnificent island. The place is richly packed with gorgeous fields of rice paddy, active volcanoes, flora and fauna, barren peaks such as Merbuk, Patas, Catur and lakes like Buyan, Tamblingan, Beratan and Batur. The south of the island offers some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches like Sanur Beach, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Lovina etc. One of the major highlights of the island is its unscathed culture, wealthy traditions, thousands of temples, simplicity of its people and warmth of hospitality.

It sure has a wide spectrum of activities to be offered to all the masses be it paying homage to its temples to diving and fishing, from deep forest safari to watching 4 D fauna movies, from sun bathing in the beautiful golden sand beaches to restoring spa and massages, from adventure sports like snorkeling and diving to trekking on Mount Batur. An assortment of accommodation options is also at offer which suits all budgets. One could easily pick up one’s preference of stay from luxurious five star hotels to private villas, from deluxe resorts to quick stay lodges. While hotels, villas offer a wide selection of ubiquitous luxuries such as well equipped rooms, attached balcony, mini gardens, swimming pools, fine dining restaurants and nightclubs, its lodges and certain resorts offer tree housing options, flora lodges, some are even built in the middle of dense forests to offer its guests an experiential stay to reconnect with the nature. It sometimes doesn’t even have televisions and internet to enable the tourist to enjoy his holiday from tip to toe.

Whoever visits Bali cannot miss to halt at Kuta. It is a small town with mesmerizing beaches with large waves. It’s a place where novice surfers can also run through. It also allows a lot of shopping options as well offering cultural artifacts, gifts, apparels, beachwear etc. Jimbaran is another stoppage in Bali. It is well known for its super luxurious hotels, villas and cottages and is only five minutes away from Kuta. Sanur is the oldest beach resort which was the first one of its kind. A little less than well-appointed Nusa Dua, this beach has been designed for travellers seeking tranquility and comfort.

Exploring local art and culture, Kebyar dance is worth a mention which is a male solo dancing form. The Bali Arts festival held in Denpasar is the cultural event of the year which takes place in the month of June. It comprises of a series of dance performances such as legong, gambuh, baris etc. followed by authentic Balinese music and food. Balinese cuisine is another tourist attraction which offers a wide range of authentic flavors of nasi goreng, mie goreng, satay, gado gado salad, opor ayam etc. Most of the delicacies are available in both vegetarian and non vegetarian variants suiting everyone’s pockets. Thus, a chase for a perfect holiday will incontestably magnetize the tourists to Bali!.

Why a Bali honeymoon is memorable ?

Even if it is on a shoe string budget, a Bali honeymoon can be magical and a perfect hideaway after the noisy wedding festivities. Newlyweds are now choosy about the way they wish to begin their married life. And the right notes begin in the most heavenly way in the island of Bali, Indonesia. It is the entire honeymoon package which includes the air tickets, hotel bookings, candle light dinners, privacy, shopping and return that makes the overall impact. Here are some worthy suggestions that prove why a Bali honeymoon is memorable for most newlyweds.

Tropical delights

Far away from the wedding festivities that have just concluded, most just married couples look for a little peace and quiet time to themselves. Bali offers several tropical delights. Villas of varying budgets can be rented. A sweet small cottage by the sea is the best way to unwind and sink in the feeling of being married to the person whom you love so much. The heady aromatic feeling engulfs the couple once they embark at the bustling airport. The private villas have been designed to suit the couple’s need for privacy and also security. A discreet management staff looks after the property and it is a wonderful opportunity for love birds to spend quality time with each other. High end villas have swimming pools, spa facilities, fully equipped kitchen, amenities in every room and chef on demand. Resident housekeeping are available when required. Transport and guides are available on demand for sightseeing tours. Some of the most enchanting and charming villas are Mia, grand avenue boutique, Ahimsa beach, Aria, and Kajane Mua. On arrival in some villas the couple is pampered with a flower bath, welcome drinks, traditional Balinese cakes, 2 hours spa treatment after the long journey, ginger or jamu tea, candle light dinner and pictures of the couple snapped in local costumes.

Discover your love

Some of the other well known places to see are Nusa Dua, Uluwatu (that’s where the temple is), Canggu, Legian, Ubud and Seminyak. Most of these places have villas of different ranges of rooms from one bedroom to 12 bedrooms with all the five star hotel facilities. One can also speak directly to the villa owners to do bookings. Discounts are possible in the off season.

Places for newlyweds to see in Bali

Bali is also known as the island of the Gods. The warm and sunny beaches are very inviting for couples. The entire island has several vantage vistas of which the spectacular sunrises and sunsets are most enduring. Kuta beach is always the first choice of several honeymooners. It is a surfer’s paradise. Water sports, restaurants dotted across the beaches, and the nightlife are also interesting. For day log tours the museums, arts and crafts, nature trials, cruises are excellent. Visit at least one of the sacred temples to pray for each other. In the evenings the closing temple dances are worth the trip. A ten day long honeymoon trip can be made more exciting with horse rides, walks in the paddy fields and interaction with the locals. An experienced guide is a must for all activities in Bali.

How safe is Bali for romantic tourists who need privacy ?

Once declared as the most desirable island on earth by the Lonely Planet, the exodus of tourists from other hot spots happened in Bali. Ever since it was declared as a honeymoon paradise, this once-upon-a-time island with quaint fishing villages has become a quiet riot. It’s cool quotient has been tagged by the surf lovers; the back packers have given the thumbs up signal too. But after the world becoming more vulnerable to terror attacks, how safe is Bali for romantic tourists who need privacy? The white sands in the south beaches and the black sands in the northern belt, still reverberate through Bali. It is every valentine’s dream come true. Here are some reasons that could help cupid’s arrow struck lovers to enjoy the vacation. And it has nothing to do with the 1939 film Honeymoon in Bali.

Never buy from strangers

Did you know that the original Bali villas were made by the Dutch? This was their yardstick of luxury for lovers. The concept has now emerged as the USP of Bali tourism. The need for privacy and safety at the same time has been upgraded in the new properties that dot the island. Security in many night clubs and hotels has become tighter ever since the bombings took place in 2002. Since travelers are now used to security checks, the same happens at the airports too. The Balinese people themselves now depend on the tourism industry and hence are alert to any threats. So they themselves feel responsible for the safety for the tourists. They understand the need for newlyweds to be left alone. In fact now there are very few areas where the security measures are not in place. Young lovers need to stay clear of magic mushrooms that are offered to them to increase ecstasy. Several beaches in Kuta have vendors offering it. Obviously no one on a short term romantic holiday will like to take the risk of buying anything from a stranger.

Beach security

Many newlyweds like to spend time on the beaches and maybe even swim around. But if there is a red flag in any part of the beach, avoid the area. There is a possibility of rip currents that can sweep anyone into the whirlpool. Even if you claim to be a strong swimmer, avoid taking a chance. Common sense should be applied in the crowded beaches during the peak season. Do not carry the essentials like money and passport and leave in open bags around. This happens often when couples are busy taking romantic pictures. For most bridal couples the honeymoon means lazing around. But being alert is a sign of prudency.

Secure rental villas

All private villas have effective communication systems and staff so that a couple does not feel disconnected at any time. Many wedding and travel portals consider Bali as a safe destination for honeymooners. The locals are like angels in the island of the Gods, protecting the tourists. As long they are smiling and welcoming lovers with warmth, Bali will always continue to be a dreamscape.

What is Bali most famous for ?

In 2010, Bali got the Best island Award from Travel and Leisure. Dubbed as the island of love by honeymooners, Bali, Indonesia springs up images of ripples of aquamarine waters, waves, active volcano, temple dances, private villas, arts and crafts, wild life and marine sports. It is also well known for Babi Guling the favorite food of the locals. It is eaten with Jukut Nanga Mekuah and steamed rice. But for this one has to move out of the typical tourist zone and ask for this dish. Couples exploring the place on their own or with the help of some local guides can reach the right eatery that serves this pork dish. Head towards Kerobokan, Ubud or Mengiwi to find where this is available. The best place will not be in a fine dining restaurant but the street corners. So if a couple is in Canggu, a corner street shop will be serving this dish. The best of this culinary treat is found in Gianyar.

Active volcano

Intrepid couples can also chose to make a memorable trip to see the most active volcano of the island. It is an attraction by itself. Batur has the most active volcano in the island. The conical mountain spews Basaltic lava. When it is active it can be mildly explosive. The picturesque lake is also worth the visit.

Annual arts festival in Bali

It is good to know that some of the most traditional forms of arts and culture are still thriving in the island. Thanks to the growing number of tourists, the locals have spectacular crowds for their annual arts festival. Being appreciated by foreigners brings happiness to the Balinese people. Many forms of dances are performed during the festival. It is like an island carnival with full regalia of costume drama, theater, music and vintage dances. Tourists are also encouraged to participate making the event livelier. Each village has its own unique arts activities they pride in. During the main festival all villages converge in Denpasar with their art forms. Usually the festival lasts for a month.

Wildlife in Bali

While the southern part of Bali is well known for its beaches the northern part thrives and attracts tourists because of the wildlife. While monkeys do their business of snatching bags in temples, the other species prefer to co-exist with the humans. Like lizards, they are harmless and do not interfere with crowds around them. And the legend goes that if a lizard calls seven times, good luck is on the way! Balinese tigers have become rare, but once in a while one can catch hold of it at day break. The northern Bali which boasts of a good green cover also has civets, barking deer, mouse deer, squirrels, iguanas, bats, and several exotic birds. Nearly 300 species of the animal, bird and insect kingdom live in harmony. Dolphins are also common in Bali. They can be seen in Padangbai, Lovina and Candi dasa. Large whales can be found in Menjangan Island.

Balinese House Compunds

BALI HOUSES

Speaking about Balinese house there are at least 3 types of architecturally observable. First, is the house compound which is consist of at least 4 pavilions plus a complex of family temple. Second is a standing alone house some time with a separate pavilion for kitchen, and the third is a housing complex, where rows of houses belong to a different families standing face to face at the left and right side of a slot of land. This third type a family usually has 2 houses, one as normal house and the other as kitchen. The first and second types are usually found at low land where people live with irrigation system. Their house compound or one standing house is normally enclosed by private wall with entrance gate called "angkul-angkul" The position of houses either in a dense complex or scattered in a long distance from one another. It is mostly built close one another except in some places which were supposed much later settlement. The third is where the houses are in a dense complex normally the settlement in highland. The area of a settlement is normally laid out on the right and left side of a main road. both on the right and left sides of the area is divided into many slots of land (courtyard ), in Balinese this slot is called " natah". In one natah some time consists of many families with the pattern of house of each family facing each other, as mentioned above. Most families on a natah usually originated from one single family who has been living for many generations, from a father and mother who had developed into many family units. When a village was first established it was probably close to the forest and to maintain the safety and security of the member they had probably form a close position to facilitate instant emergency contact. Seen from the structure of the houses regardless the types mentioned above seems that Balinese had not experienced any animal endangering since their house is low, in average 40 to 50 cm foundation's height from soil level. It is not like other ethnics such as Batak, Dayak, Toraja, Makassar, and others where their house is built on a high poles. In contrast, Balinese house showing an effort that it is equipped with anti magic elements. So it was probably in the past Balinese was more horrified by magic instead of real animal attack or might absence of this wild animal, as proved by biological study that Bali had ever only small leopard at west national park, it was already extinct in immemorial time. It was a belief that West Bali National Park was a lost city and until now is considered as the abode of invisible being. During rainy season the invisible being will go out far of their area to look for food materials. If they have to be visible to human being, they changed themselves into a tiger . But this is only a myth, and it was a prove that once a small species of leopard was ever living in West Bali National Park. A house for Balinese is an interwoven elements between super natural thoughts, land status, temples, cemetery,kinship, and social organization. Before proceeding to discuss about architectural style of the house we describe about these elements which also gives special characteristic to a house, especially the position and orientation. The following thoughts are considered in constructing a chouse.

1. Facing road line, this is avoided and is called "tumbak rurung" literally in English means " targeted by a road-spear". There is a myth saying there is also an invisible being who also passing the road. Since the house is just like blocking the road, than the invisible being can enter the house, and making trouble to residents. If one is forced to build a house like this because of later environment changes or reconstruction, they usually build a small shrine just in front of the house toward the direction of the road. At certain days they put offering of flowers and coconut leaves to make the invisible being aware of the block. Standing alone house between 2 parallel roads on one side of the house is empty land. This position is called " Celedu Nginyah " literally means sun-bathing scorpion. This position is also avoided or put a shrine facing to the empty land if no choice. Build a house making existing house to position between new built and family house, whose owner has no blood relation. So the space looks like being cut by other family. This position of 2 family houses putting some one else in the middle is called "ngapit", and is avoided. Build a house between road, when two families with blood relations one staying at left side, and other at right side of the road. This position is avoided, and is called "negen jalan" literally means " holding the road"
2. Directly on the north side or east side of village meeting hall is also avoided. Here the understanding of north ( Bali "kaja" ) and south ( Bali "kelod" ) have additional understanding than just mere a directional concept. One important aspect of Balinese orientation is mountain. As Bali is divided by mountain range from west tip to east tip, the people of south Bali has different mountain-orientation. For those people leaving at the south to the mountain range, use the directional words exactly as the English word means. While northern Bali use the word north to refer the mountain, and south to refer the sea. So, it is in contradictory with English words, which for north Balinese resident "north" means English "south", and "south" means English "north". In other words we can say "kaja" direction is meant "south", and "kelod" direction is meant "north". While at the other side Balinese uses also these word to purely referring directions. In relation is a house position, it is avoided to build a house directly at the northern side of village meeting hall, or directly at the east of it. This position is called "ngeluanin", which contains a meaning to take a position at front of more senior people, or put ourselves at higher position. Point of orientation is not only a mountain but it can be any kind such as temple, the start of a river, river bank, beach, lake bank, or any place which is considered as sacred, and east-direction ( sun rise ). It means that when people sleep the body stretches with the head toward the "luanan" or to the point of orientation, and the legs be directed to the stretches in contradictory which is called "tebenan" as the antonym of "luanan".

There are some traditional thoughts that underlay the construction of a house which is in fact give a slight physical layout, position, and appearance of a house in relation with a bigger settlement pattern. Balinese house among 3 types mentioned above might arising question which is the original house of Bali. Architecturally all are original, except the 2 later types have small similarities with Javanese house such as the low foundation concept and room layout, while more detail functional and decorative aspects are Balinese original. Other important aspects that influence architecture of Balinese house are customs and economic achievement of a family. Customs indicate that when a family become big, or when 2 boys of a family have married, one must build a new house while the other one still live with parents. In case this family has better economic level, normally they buy a new land to build the house, near the village. The new house is often get new architectural elements due to the outside influences, or just for more convenience with more accessories. The influence of space efficiency has also been taken into consideration which give much changes to the traditional Balinese house. Common shape of the house reflects much the maximization of space usage instead of non functional aspects. Among others, one type of Balinese house is considered very unique and interesting for everyone, that is the first type mentioned above, which is called a house compound rather than a house. Below we will discuss it more detail about this special type from architectural aspect until the functional aspect of the compound.

Structure and Function of the house
A unit of Balinese compound is bordered by a wall encircling the house premise. The house's premise in Balinese is a "karang", while the border in the form of stone wall or clay wall or natural plantations is called " penyengker " literally means "border". Border for Balinese house has very important meaning, especially associated with magical belief. To enter a Balinese house an entrance gate is constructed, which is usually direct exit to the village road or village ally. One of the house discussed more detail is Balinese compound, since it is very unique and showing deep local concept. It is called Balinese Compound, since in one of the settlement area there are at least 4 pavilions plus one complex of family temple. This type of house normally constructed by the people living at the low land or in the past it was closed to the capital city of the kingdom. Currently such a house is very rare, except those who have economically success, they build this house compound with more modern touches. The compound is always encircled with border at least by living plants, and has one entrance gate. When this entrance is constructed in clay or stone or wooden materials it is called " angkul-angkul " This traditional entrance has 2 types, one is split gate, and one other is closed gate, it is depend on the owners' preference. When you see straightly into the house compound the entrance looks closed from inside. But this is a block to the entrance usually in the form of stone wall or clay wall. While the house member go in or exit the entrance from the side of the block, not straightly. This is related with the myth that if the entrance is not blocked that the evil spirit whose movement is always straight can enter the house, and is troublesome. So to avoid the evils spirit the entrance is detoured to both sides of the block. In the area of the wall there are pavilions plus family temples. The placement of the pavilions in the area of the compound usually divided into 3 areas which can not be mixed up. This placement is according to the belief of orientation of the directions. As mentioned above that orientation influences the architectural plan of a house, you can find the concept that family temple must be placed at "luanan" normally at northern most or east area of the land, orientated to the mountain and sun rise position. In the middle is the houses where member of the family live, while after that is the place of kitchen, pig house, or poultry shading, and others. The use of this partition among 3 segments of the courtyard is very strict, while in the center of the courtyard is considered sacred place, and can not build any thing. Usually in the middle point is constructed a shrine as a place to put offering to the guardian of the land ( Balinese " Pengijeng karang " ). The most simple one as the prototype of Balinese compound is believed to have the following pavilion inside their pekarangan:

1. Family temple, normally consist of at least 5 small shrines, each shrine related to the ancestor worship, Hindu gods, and invisible being, Bale Daja, is the pavilion build near family temple. In the past this pavilion was used to keep all the ceremonial materials. While in some areas this pavilion is used to lock in a newly married couple as long as 3 days and sleeping room for children. But currently it is used as normal house. Bale Dauh is normally an open pavilion with one bedroom which is not totally enclosed by wall. The pavilion is used as the reception of guests, and for parents sleeping room. Bale Dangin, is also built in open air with bed. This is the place of grand parents to sleep. If one of the family member died is also laid down here before going to the cemetery. Dapur ( kitchen ) is built behind, normally consist of 2 room, one room is for cooking with open area, and one room is closed room to keep all the cooking materials. Behind the kitchen in the past was built rice granary. A family in the past it was not rare to have more than one granaries as the symbol of their economic level. Around the area of granary usually constructed the house for pigs, poultry, or some time for the cows. Here are usually dug out the well ( Bali "semer" ).
2. In the back of the court yard is called " teba " in less or more can be translated into " wastes yard ". In the past the management of waste was not yet fully concerned because all types of wastes were undurable materials. A family just throw away the wastes to "teba", and normally they do not have private toilet or water closed, so every time they just go to " teba "

Among those pavilions it is introduced the system of constructing based on the number of column. If a pavilion has 4 columns it is called "Sakapat Pavilion", and if it has 8 columns it is called "Sekutus Pavilion". Indeed the bigger the number of the column, the bigger the size of the pavilion. It might have the relation with the economic status of the family. It is probably the pavilion with the name according to it's column number is the oldest type of Balinese compound architecture. The latest development only the Bale Dangin still remain with the same style as in the past although in most parts of the architectural elements are intricately decorated with Balinese style. While other pavilions such as Bale Dauh and Bale Daja have got new architectural concept of totally closed house, only opened with one or 2 doors. Inside area divided into some sleeping room plus one living room and one open guest reception or terrace. This kind of house has almost Bali-wide-use since probably 20th century as the result of Western contact which gave influence to architecture. With the development of technology that is the materials for the house have given also different architectural elements such as roof before using thatch changed by zinc or clay tiles or asbes, natural stone or clay floor change with ceramic or any single fired floor tiles, and also the other house elements. At last by the quick changes of the basic type of the houses appear 2 elements that is said to bring Balinese original architectural elements such as:

1. Intricate carving on ceiling, column, base or wall, gates, and other parts of the house
2. The use of red brick which is rubbed until the surface become smooth and the lines between bricks are not observable.

One aspect within Balinese house need to be described shortly here is the family temple. The basic idea or the ancient form of this family temple must have been the ancestor's spirit worship or the worship of the guardian of the land. So in the past it might consisted only one or 2 shrines. With the coming of Hindu influence the number of shrines were added for the gods and goddess. Other thought that gods or holy ancestral spirits can be worshiped temporary from home have also added more number of shrines. For example a family can build temporary abode of god that reside on Batukaru temple or Besakih or any other temple in Bali. So it is not rare a family has a family temple with many shrines or just only 6 shrines as basic small new family. This basic small new family must be the bigger number of current Balinese family temple type. Normally the shrines in the family temple consist of the main function:

1. Kamulan shrine, a 3-niche shrine which has now associated with " Trinity " in Hindu god, Gedong Kompyang, an ancestor's shrine, Pesimpangan shrine, can be more than one shrines as temporary abode of god when a family having ceremony, they can praying to any temple in Bali without specially presence at the temple. Piyasan shrine, is the biggest in the temple compound, to put offering during the ceremony. Also used to keep the cloths, umbrella, and other rituals tools,Tugu shrine, is dedicated to guardian spirit of the land
2. Padmasana shrine, an open shrine, usually built in stone as the symbole of oneness of god.

Within different cast also have different number of shrines in their family temple according to their tradition in building shrines for their ancestors. While in families of urban areas within the cities which are normally new family most have only 2 shrines for their family temple, those are Padmasana and Tugu. Since their customary organization is still bound by their original village.

Balinese architecture is a vernacular architecture tradition of Balinese people that inhabits volcanic island of Bali, Indonesia. The Balinese architecture is a centuries-old architectural tradition influenced by Balinese culture developed from Hindu influences through ancient Javanese intermediary, as well as pre-Hindu elements of native Balinese architecture.

Bali and its Culture

The culture of Bali is unique. People say that the Balinese people have reached self-content. It is not an exaggeration that when a Balinese is asked what heaven is like, he would say, just like Bali, without the worries of mundane life. They want to live in Bali, to be cremated in Bali when they die, and to reincarnate in Bali. It does not mean that the Balinese resist changes. Instead, they adapt them to their own system. This goes back far in history. Prior to the arrival of Hinduism in Bali and in other parts of Indonesia, people practised animism. When Hinduism arrives, the practice of Hinduism is adapted to local practices. The brand of Hinduism practised in Bali is much different from that in India. Other aspects of life flow this way. Traditional paintings, faithfully depicting religious and mythological symbolisms, met with Western and modern paintings, giving birth to contemporary paintings, free in its creative topics yet strongly and distinctively Balinese. Its dance, its music, and its wayang theaters , while have been continually enriched by contemporary and external artistry, are still laden with religious connotations, performed mostly to appease and to please the gods and the goddesses. Wood and stone carvings, gold and silver crafts parallel the development of paintings, gracefully evolving with external forces to enhance their characters. The batik of Bali owes its origin to Java, and inspired the development of ikat and double ikat.

The Balinese Celebrate Life through Ceremony & Daily Rituals

The Balinese Celebrate Life through Ceremony & Daily Rituals

---

It is said there is never a day in Bali without a ceremony of some kind and if you include all the life cycle rites (baby ceremonies, puberty rites, weddings, cremations,Temple festivals), then this adage is probably true. There are definitely certain times that are “ceremony-heavy” such as the full moons in April and October and the high holy days of Galungan (see below for more info). Balinese religion (called Agama Hindu Dharma) consist of three primary elements: Hinduism based on what is practiced in India but differing substantially from those traditions, animism (where every living thing has a soul) and ancestor worship (the Balinese deify their ancestors after a proscribed process of cleansing has been done). Temple festivals are held on the anniversary of when the temple in question was consecrated. This could be an annual event, held on a new or full moon or more likely every 210 days, based on the wuku system, a complex calculation of overlapping days of confluence, some being more “powerful” than others (think of Friday the 13th).

An Odalan or temple ceremony usually lasts for three days, but larger ones (which occur every 5, 10, 30 or 100 years) can last for 11 days or longer. The gist of what is happening here is that the Balinese are honoring the deities that rule over the temple by giving them a myriad of offerings, performances of vocal music, dance and gamelan music. They invite them down from their abode on Mount Agung to partake in the activities.

The temple is dressed up in colorful golden clothes, the images of the deities are taken to the local holy spring to be bathed and dressed in their best, shrines are cleaned, performances are rehearsed, committees are formed and then the big day arrives. Usually people take their offerings to the temple in the late afternoon, after the heat of the day has gone, and everyone's work and school obligations are over.

The offerings, consisting of fruits, rice cakes and flowers, are brought in on women's heads and placed at strategic points around the temple. These are blessed with holy water by the temple Pemangku or priest. The pilgrims then pray, are blessed with and drink holy water and then take the offerings home to share with their families. The gods have taken the sari or essence of the offerings, leaving the “leftovers” for the humans to consume. In the evenings, there could be spectacular performances of music and dance by local groups.

Since every village has at least three major temples (and often many more than that), there is always some kind of community religious activity going on. Aside from the village temple festivals, every household compound's family temple (mrajan/sanggah) also has its ceremony every 210 days.

Aside from the Odalan, there are a dozen or so life and death cycle rites that are performed throughout a child's life: 

1. Gedong-gedongan : this is done in the 8th month (Gregorian calendar/7th month Balinese calendar) of pregnancy to ask blessings for an easy birth. The pregnant woman and her husband wade into the river, where eels and small fish are placed face down on her protruding belly to show the baby the right way out!
2. Birth: Only the husband and the midwife/doctor are allowed to hold the placenta or after birth. This is washed and then buried on the right (if the baby is a boy) side of the northern pavilion or left (if a girl). With it are buried a comb, a dance fan, a pen, a book—whatever the family wishes the child will grow up to enjoy.The parents are not allowed to go into the kitchen for three days.
3. Three Days after birth: the parents undergo a simple cleansing ritual so they can go into the kitchen
4. Rorasin: 12 days after the birth the umbilical cord has usually fallen off. This is placed in a special shrine dedicated to Kumara, the Guardian of Babies.
5. 42-day ceremony: Once a baby has reached this age, a rather large ritual is performed for her/him. This is to ensure that her/his development will continue unhindered. One of the things done at this time is that a baby chick and baby duck are brought in to peck off/dust off cooked rice that is on the baby's third eye. This is to show the child how to use her hands and feet as well as her mouth to gather food, as the animals do. She is placed under a cockfighting basket where she grabs items that have previously been placed into a clay pot. It is said that whatever she grabs is her vocation.
6. Three month ceremony: This is also quite a grand ceremony that all the relatives and neighbors are invited to. This marks the first time a child touches the ground for the first time (he is carried everywhere previously). In some villages, this is when the child is “replaced” by a dressed up eggplant or cucumber. The priest sings the praises of the the eggplant so that spirits of chaos that might be lurking around will follow the eggplant when it's thrown out the front door, while the real baby stays protected.
7. Odalan or six months (210 days) ceremony. This is the baby's birthday and will be celebrated ritually every 6 months. But no birthday cakes here!
8. Three odalans is traditionally when the child has her or his hair cut off and head shaved to represent purity.
9. Menek kelih or puberty. Not all castes perform this ceremony. It happens when the girl gets her period and the boy's voice cracks. They are paraded around the village announcing to all that they are now adults (and in the olden days, ready to marry)
10. Tooth filing: In their late teens, Balinese get the top middle teeth filed; this symbolizes the filing away of greed, anger, lust, drunkenness, envy and confusion.
11. Wedding: the ultimate fusion of male and female
12. Death: within death, there are a number of rites. The first is the ritual cleansing of the corpse by the family and the banjar (neighborhood), then comes the burial or the cremation (if the family can afford to cremate right away, they will choose that option) and then the post-crematory purification rites where the soul becomes a deity that shall be worshipped in the family temple.

Aside from these major rituals, there are also honor days which occur every 35 days and are made for

1. Anything out of metal: daggers, knives, gamelan instruments and now cars and the like
2. Any fruiting trees
3. Any domesticated animals, such as pigs, cows, chickens, goats.
4. Shadow puppets and dance paraphenelia
5. Literature (Goddess Saraswati)
6. Kuningan : the end of the l0 day cycle of Galungan

Then we have Nyepi, the day of Silence, when one is not allowed to cook, light fires, go outside the home, drive, have sex or make a lot of noise. It occurs in March or April and one can palpably feel the energy in the air diminish for 24 hours.

Galungan is the day when the victory of Dharma or Justice/Truth wins over Adharma. It is when the family ancestors descend into the family temples, led there by seeing the long curved bamboo pole (penjor) that are erected in front of every Balinese house. For ten days, the ancestors are feted in the family temples; many temple festivals occur at this time of year and there is great feasting. On the last day, Kuningan, the ancestors are seen off with a flurry of yellow offerings and yellow rice.

There are also days to honor Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice, within the rice-growing cycle and other agricultural products.

Yes, nearly every day is a day to celebrate something in Bali! The above essay was written by Rucina Ballinger, founder of Dyana Putri Adventures.

Hari Raya Saraswati, the Goddess of learning, science and literature.

In accordance with Balinese Hindu belief, knowledge is an essential medium to achieve the goal of life as a human being. This day celebrates Saraswati in Bali, a special day devoted to the Goddess of learning, science and literature. Saraswati rules the intellectual and creative realm, and is the patron saint of libraries and schools. For Balinese Hindus, she is celebrated as she succeeded in taming the wandering and lustful mind of her consort, Brahma, who was preoccupied with the goddess of material existence, Shatarupa. On this day no one is allowed to read or write, and offerings are made to the lontar (palm-leaf scripts), books and shrines.

Saraswati Day is celebrated every 210-days on Saniscara Umanis Wuku Watugunung and marks the start of the new year according to the Balinese Pawukon calendar. Ceremonies and prayers are held at the temples in family compounds, villages and businesses from morning to noon. Prayers are also held in school temples. Teachers and students abandon their uniforms for the day in place of bright and colourful ceremony gear, filling the island with colour! Children bring fruit and traditional cakes to school for offerings at the temple.

Hari Raya Nyepi, the Silence Day

The month of March brings us Nyepi - Bali's official day of silence (24hrs). Nyepi marks the first day of the Balinese Saka calendar (1929) and is practiced island-wide where the Balinese dedicate an entire day to introspection and spiritual cleansing, embarking on a new year based on the Balinese lunar calendar.

Nyepi is my favorite day of the year. The night before the silence begins, there is an island wide parade of paper mache monsters (Ogoh-Ogoh) sent about making a rukus to scare evil spirits off the island, back to where ever they came from. Starting from approximately 6 a.m. on Friday, March 23 and continuing until 6 a.m. the next morning, EVERYONE will stay in their family compounds (or hotels) and silence will overcome the island. There are no cars, no tv's or loud radios, no lamps or fires and no airplanes overhead as the airport is closed. This is the only place in the world where the government will shut down an airport for meditation & introspection!

Waisak, is an annual holy day honoring:

• The Birth of Prince Siddharta (also known as the Buddha) in taman Lumbini in 623 BCE.
• Prince Siddharta achieving nirvana or enlgihtenment and becoming the Buddha in Buddha Gaya at the age of 35 in 588 BCE.
• Buddha Gautama's death in 543 BCE at the age of 80.

Waisak is celebrated in Bali mainly at the very few Buddhist ashrams on the island. There is a huge celebration at Borobudur Buddhist temple outside of Jogyakarta when thousands of Buddhist pilgrims come to pay their respects.