UbudUbud, Bali, IndonesiaUbud Resorts, Hotels, Villas, Attractions
Ceremonies are one of the most important and beautiful aspects of Balinese life. It is a complete sensory experience; with colorful costumes, traditional music, incense smoke, and special ceremonial food, it is quintessentially what makes Bali famous.© Patrick Denis
Wedding ceremony is the most important day of every Balinese life. The young couple dresses up in traditional uniforms of their ancestors just like they did hundreds of years ago.
Cremation ceremony. Balinese place dead bodies in a sarcophagus build especially for the purpose of the cremation. All villagers contribute labour and attend the ceremony that follows. © Patrick Denis
Important Ceremonies
Ubud seems to have a temple on every street corner, and with ceremonies almost everyday it is a very accessible experience. Depending on the date of your arrival you may find that there is a full moon celebration, day of silence, day for money, or even day for electrical appliances.
| Ceremony | Information |
|---|---|
Siwaratri (1) |
This ceremony happens only once a year, and is dedicated to the god Shiva, where remembrance of the past, and a new dedication to the future is meditated on. The Balinese celebrate by staying up all night in prayer at the temple or at home. |
Saraswati (2) |
This biannual ceremony celebrates Sariswati, the goddess of knowledge. Special services are held at the temple of local schools, and books are adorned with offerings at home. |
Hari Raya Pagerwesi |
This day is symbolized by meditation, and when the Balinese appeal to the God of the Universe for a strong mental defense against distractions and problems in their life. |
5
|
The Balinese New Year, and one of the most famous, and unique, ceremonies in Bali. The night before there is a parade of large Ogo-Ogo and everyone makes noise to raise the evil spirits on the island. This is followed by the Day of Silence, Nyepi, where Balinese and foreigners are not aloud to leave their home, use electricity, and must hide from the evil spirits that have risen the night before. |
Hari Ngembak Geni |
The first day of the New Year after Nyepi, and at 6 am you are permitted to make noise, leave your home, use electricity, and come out of hiding from the spirits. |
Galungan |
Every 210 days Balinese unite in homes and villages to celebrate the memorable day when Majapahit kingdom from east Java overruled a progressive king of Bali. Since then the island has become predominantly Hindu and Galungan ceremonies signify the winning of good over evil. Its the most exciting time to be in Bali as every village gets decorated and festivities go on for days and night. |
Kuningan |
Kuningan is a period of celebrations that starts ten days after Galungan. Both ceremonies have been arranged to occur around the times of harvest when Balinese can afford to celebrate. During this time a pig is slaughtered and all villagers unite, visit temples, pray and spend time with their families eating symbolic yellow rice. Kuningan in Balinese literally means yellow. |
Before heading out to a ceremony, be sure you have the appropriate clothes in respect to the Balinese tradition. If you plan to just visit a temple when there is no ceremony, all you will need is a sarong, and most temples can provide these at the entrance.
You will need a sarong (cloth wrapped around the waist), light colored shirt (dark shirts are only for cremations), and Udeng (Scarf wrapped around the head).
You will need a sarong, kebaya (lace shirt, or any long-sleeve shirt will do), and a sash around the waist.
It is customary to leave a donation upon entering the temple during ceremonies (IDR 50,000 should suffice).
Normally permitted, but avoid flash and always ask if unsure.
Please keep in mind that temple ceremonies are very sacred, and showing respect will go along way with the Balinese.
