Tipped to be a culture heartland worthy of its heritage Bali is a land full of ceremony and ritual. With a religious identity steeped in Hindu dharma the two remaining elements governing the rituals of the country are based on ancestor worship and animism where every living creature is prescribed with a soul and spirit. Every occasion natural or in the human life cycle is celebrated with much pomp and pageantry with centuries old customs that have survived the test of time and been passed on from generation to generation.
Temple ceremonies play a central role in Balinese ceremonies and rituals as temple festivals take place across the country on the founding days of each institution. Celebrated on a full moon or after the passing of 210 days which is known as the Wuku system, the temple festivals last three days and at times up to 11 days depending on the nature of the anniversary. Gamelan music, offerings and dance are part of the temple festivals which sees temples decorated and deities bathed in holy spring water. The holy period of Galungan is also marked during full moons during April and October while other life and death cycle rites include Gedong-gedongan, Rorasin and Menek Kelih. Honor days are also marked every 35 days whereas the Day of Silence or Nyepi is one of Bali’s unique ceremonies where observers practice abstinence, stay home and avoid lighting fires, cooking and driving for 24 hours.
Another highlight event in the Bali cultural calendar is of course Saraswati Day which celebrates the beginning of a new year as decreed by the Balinese Pawukon calendar. Elaborate ceremonies and prayer sessions are conducted in villages, family homes and business places during the first half of the day while school children trade in their somber colored uniforms for bright colored clothes especially for the ceremony. Traditional sweetmeats are also part of this event that is almost as vibrant as Waisak ceremonies that mark the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha.Travellers in search of luxurious Uluwatu hotels should look to Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa for all their accommodation needs. Ideally located in serene surroundings this jewel among Bali resorts pulls out all the stops when it comes to five star experiences in paradise.
