Bali's Festival Fiesta

Celebrating Culture, Spirit, and Art

The Indonesian island of Bali is renowned for its thriving culture and extensive traditions, which are celebrated through its many festivals. These celebrations bring life to the Balinese culture and create a sense of joy and community through vibrant processions, melodious music, and captivating dances. Bali's festivals offer a glimpse into the island's vibrant soul of tradition, spirituality, artistic expression, and are celebrated by the Balinese with wholehearted faith.

Two of the most important of them are Nyepi – a 3 day celebration of the Balinese new year, and Galungan & Kuningan – a 10 day celebration of the victory of the Good over Evil.

Nyepi:

The Balinese year is a new year like no other – a 3 day spiritual experience to prepare for the year ahead.

It begins with Ogoh Ogoh, a day when demons (made creatively in each village) are brought out in procession. These demons represent the demons we humans carry inside our mind and are ceremonially burnt at the end of the procession to symbolise the emptying the mind.

The next day is Nyepi, Balinese new year. From sunrise the island falls into complete silence – Balinese Hindus observe strict rules, including not working, not using lights, not engaging in entertainment, and even abstaining from talking. All businesses are shut, and everyone stays home to spend the day in silent reflection and meditation.

The day after Nyepi is Ngembak Geni, when people come together to seek forgiveness from one another, share meals, and visit family and friends. And thus, the Balinese believe, they prepare their body, mind, and soul for the year ahead!

Galungan & Kuningan:

Galungan & Kuningan is a religious festival marking the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated once in six months with every home and temple adorned and all families heading to their village temple to make offerings. Of the decorations, the Penjors, which signify the fallen head of the slain dragon, are out in various glorious forms. Every family hand crafts their own Penjor for display at the front door and yes, there is a mini-competition in every village on who makes the most beautiful Penjor. The ten day period is bookended by Kuningan, a day when the ancestral spirits are believed to visit their village to witness the celebrations!

There are many more festivals and ceremonies in Bali and these are just the two big ones. We will talk more about these in our upcoming issues.

The essence of it all is that even the current generation of Balinese, while living a life integrated with the contemporary world, strives to sustain their tradition and culture. This comes from a place of deep faith and a commitment to maintain their wonderful traditions. No wonder everyone wants to visit and immerse in the spirit of Bali!