Friday, May 12, 2006, 02:15 AM
From May 03 - 13, 2006, Balinese Hindus are celebrating the victory days of good spirit over evil spirit. These celebrations are the most important in the Pawukon calendar. However the most religious celebration is conducted on Galungan Day, which falls on May 03, 2006
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On this day period is believed that the deified ancestors of the family descend to their former homes where they must be entertained and given offerings.
This is a good time to come and see Bali since all house compounds and entrance gates are decorated with Penjor, the long, over-hanging bamboo poles decorated with elaborate creations carved and woven from leaves and natural fibers. Schools close and commerce ceases, as attention focuses solely on the devotional activities associated with this special holiday. Offerings are also made at the gravesides of those awaiting cremation and their final release into the world of spirits
Three days before Galungan is called Penyekeban day, which falls on Sunday, April 30, 2006 – the day on which to cover up fermented cakes. Green bananas are sealed in large clay pots and covered with coconut husk in order to ripen them quickly: huge quantities of bananas are required for Galungan offerings.
Likewise, Penyajaan day, which falls two days before Galungan Day, or exactly occurred on Monday, May 01, 2006. The day is devoted to making many colored cakes of fried rice dough. These are much loved by the Balinese and are used as offerings in numerous ceremonies. Mountains of these cakes can be seen in markets, as a busy housewife will often not have time to make them herself.
One day before Galungan is called Penampahan day, which falls on Tuesday, May 02, 2006 when many pigs are slaughtered for the traditional Galungan morning feast. An essential feature of the menu is the traditional lawar, a spicy hash made of finely chopped pork and dozens of spices. The preparation to make dozens of sticks of the traditional Balinese satay is also done in this slaughter day for the mourning feast and for making the offering to the dead people, which have not been cremated yet.
The following day of Galungan is Umanis Galungan, which falls on Thursday, May 04, 2006 when the devotional duties and feasting are over and families take to the road to visit families and friends and really get into the holiday spirit.
The celebration of the triumph days will last on Kuningan Day, which falls ten days after. It is actually falls on May 13, 2006, when the colorful offering are also offered by every house compound throughout Bali Island.
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( 3 / 380 )Friday, May 5, 2006, 06:14 AM
Kecak is the most unique Balinese dance which is not accompanied by any orchestra / gambelan but by a choir of approx seventy men it has its origin in an old ritual dance, “Sanghyang” or Trance dance. In the Sanghyang dance a person in a state of trance communicates with the deities or ancestors. Using the dancers as a medium, the deities or ancestors convey their wishes in the 1930’s the old Indian epic Ramayana was included into the dance. Briefly the story runs as follows : Due to a wise prince of Ayodya Rama the legal heir to the throne of Ayodya was exillied from the realm of his father Dasarata. Accompanied by his wife Sita and his younger brother Laksmana they went into a forest called Dandaka. While they were in the forest the demon king Rahwana found them and lusted after the beautiful Sita. Accompanied by his prime minister Marica, they made a trick to steal Sita. Using his magic power Marica transformed himself into a golden deer. Disguised as a golden deer they succeeded in luring Rama and Laksamana away from Sita. Rahwana making use of this opportunity, kidnapped Sita and took her to his palace Alengka. Discovering the deception Rama and Laksamana, set out to rescue Sita from the clutches of the demon king assisted by the huge army of monkeys under the command of their king (Hanoman). Rama succeeded in getting his wife back safely.
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( 3 / 442 )Friday, May 5, 2006, 06:05 AM
The endless metaphysical battle between good and evil is symbolically reenacted by two weird characters, Barong and rangda, who by their very performance re-inforce the magic power of the village and restore the balance between these two contrary forces. The Barong represents of the good force of nature. It is strange creature that danced by two men inside a highly decorated framework that represents a stylized animal, often a kind Chinese lion. Barong adversary is Queen of the Whiches, an ugly creature with a long tongue, fangs and pendulaous breasts. The two opposite forces that Barong and Rangda portray as they fight is enough to send the followers of the Barong into trance as they try to attack Rangda with their keris (sharp knife). But Rangda’s magical power turns their swords way and toward themselves. Barong’s power saves them from harm, and the result is draw.[ add comment ] | permalink |
( 3 / 455 )Sunday, February 26, 2006, 11:26 AM
Just lies 25 minutes from its celebrated sister Island of Bali by flight or 4 hours by public ferry from Padangbay harbor, Lombok has various attractions for those who are in search for a memorable holiday. In the northern coastline, the unspoilt beaches forested by thick palm trees dominate the landscape. Senggigi, the main tourist resort area in Lombok, for instance, is amazing and offers various range of accommodation categories, from non-star cottages to the international 5 star-rated ones such as Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort, Senggigi Beach Hotel, Holiday Inn and many others. Three-small-island, better known as Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan are also heaven for either beginner or professional divers. Their underwater beauties inspire a next vacation to Lombok. Driving further north, you can experience a unique way of life of the Sasak indigenous who live in the simple traditional houses in the rustic village of Segenter. This mountain tribe compound is not built for tourists, but is open widely to tourist, though. So they are not commercial as many other tourist places through out the island.
For hard trekkers, the highest and holiest mountain for both Baliness and Sasakness, Mt. Rinjani (3.726 m), is a perfect choice to escape from complicated daily routine. 3 days 2 nights hiking to the summit is quite a bit tiring, but to enjoy the fascinating sunrise from the summit is worthwhile. Spending a night by the lake shore of Segara Anak is also enjoyable and unforgettable.
Lombok is also gains more popularity amongst the young surfers for its various surf breaks along the southern coast of Kuta Beach. Many hotels In Kuta Beach, therefore, provides and arrange surfing trip to the surfing point around.
Aside from the natural attractions above, Lombok is also well known by its fine handicraft and jewelry such as traditional woven fabric, pottery, furniture, and sea pearls.
They are made in the best and finest quality by local people and that they can meet the export quality standard. This is also one of the reason why coming to Lombok.
We can eventually assure you that you can absolutely experience more than we can tell. See you around in Lombok !
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( 3 / 498 )Sunday, February 26, 2006, 10:54 AM
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Bali is densely populated island. Most of the population life in closely packed villages of 2.000 to 4.000 people on the fertile southern slopes of the island, along the ridges that carry the irrigation ditches. On these slopes it is usually only fifteen minutes walk from one village to another through open rice fields. On the northern coastal strips, the villages spread along the java sea. Traditionally the social organization of the islands was based on the village, with each village being completely self-sufficient, providing all the needs and function from birth through cremation. Recently, as in all industrializing countries, the cities and tourist centers are absorbing a portion of the population from the country-side and centralizing, to some extend, the flow of goods and service. The social organization of the villages is the one of the most unique aspects of the enchanting island. The village is very much communal unit, almost an extended family. ;)
The layout of a Balinese village and life of its member are closely tied to religion and the religious life of the people. The main community organization is the Banjar, which plans all ceremonies, including marriages, tooth-filling and cremations, as well as mediates disputes that may rise within the community. Every village has at least one Banjar, which have an average membership of 50 to 100 families. Each Banjar has central meeting places called the Bale Banjar, and the Drum tower of Kulkul made of wood to call the members of any meeting and any activities to be done in the village. [ add comment ] | permalink |
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