Religious Ceremonies and Annual Events In Bali

Holidays in Bali really feel so fun and special. In addition to the natural atmosphere and stunning beaches, you can also enjoy a unique experience. You might have the opportunity to witness or even be directly involved in religious ceremonies celebrations and also annual events.

The celebration of major religious ceremonies in Bali is generally carried out based on Wuku and Sasih (the moon). The total number of "Wuku" is 30 (thirty) each with a duration of 7 (seven) days. So the total number of days in a Wuku cycle is 210 days.

While for "Sasih" in the Bali Calendar is calculated based on the New Moon and Full Moon. One cycle of the new moon and full moon is counted one Sasih, so in total there are 12 (twelve) Sasih. There is also the Sasih calculation that is used to determine the farming period, but has a different duration of time/day, called "Pranata Mangsa".

Ceremonies based on Wuku fall every 210 days or 6 months in the Bali Calendar. Balinese will celebrate it more or less twice a year. The celebration is as follows:

• 1. Banyu Pinaruh. This ritual is performed the day after Saraswati Day. Balinese will go to the beach, rivers and springs at dawn. Purify them self and pray for wits and wisdom.
• 2. Soma Ribek. This day is devoted to “Sang Hyang Trimerta”, which has bestowed prosperity in the form of food (rice and others). Usually done in the barn (lumbung/jineng) or in rice-storages. Balinese are prohibited to pounding or selling rice, it's associated with local beliefs.
• 3. Sabuh Mas. A ritual devoted to “Hyang Mahadeva”. The offerings are made as an expression of gratitude for all the wealth and jewels such as: "raja brana", gold, beads and jewelry.
• 4. Pagerwesi. A day that is dedicated for God in the manifestation as "Sanghyang Pramesti Guru” or a true teacher, symbolizes a powerful protection to humans and the universe. Balinese focus on building a strong personal fortification, ensuring the evil cannot enter their minds, speech and deeds that can harm their self and surroundings.

• 5. Tumpek Landep. The day is devoted to “Sang Hyang Pasupati” for grace of sharp mind, heart and metallic object to meet the needs of daily life. The offerings is made by Balinese for weapons, bikes, and cars
• 6. Buda Cemeng Ukir. This day is devoted to "Dewi Lakshmi" for the grace of wealth and prosperity. An offering is put in the place where the money is stored. Associated with local beliefs, on this day Balinese are prohibited from using the money for things that are not return in the form of a form of goods such as paying debts.
• 7. Tumpek Uduh/ Tumpek Pengatag/ Tumpek Wariga. This day is devoted to worshiping God in manifestation as “Sang Hyang Sangkara”, the creator and maintainer of plants. The offering is made for the safety of plants and gives good results.
• 8. Sugihan Jawa. A ritual to invoke the sanctity of the universe or in Bhuana Agung.
• 9. Sugihan Bali. A ritual to invoke the sanctity of the self or in Bhuana Alit.
• 10. Galungan. This is a Balinese holiday celebrating the victory of dharma over adharma. It marks the time when the ancestral spirits visit the Earth. The Implementation of Galungan is also accompanied by Penjor, which had been installed a day before. Hindus make offerings presented to Sang Hyang Widhi with all its manifestations, as a sign of gratitude for grace and safety on Earth.
• 11. Kuningan/ Tumpek Kuningan. This day is believed that the ancestral spirits and Holy Spirit returned to heaven, after several days on Earth. The special offerings are made, consisted of yellow rice, dish and special ornaments made of coconut leaves.

• 12. Tumpek Krulut. On this day, Balinese Hindus pray to God in the manifestation as "Iswara", with the creation of sacred sounds, in the form of Tabuh or Gamelan. Tumpek Krulut often referred as "Odalan Gong" or "Otonan Gong".
• 13. Tumpek Uye/ Tumpek Kandang. This day Balinese Hindu held ritual for pets (cattle, hens, dogs, pigs, and more). The offerings are addressed to God in the manifestation as "Sang Hyang Rare Angon", in order to avoid animal diseases, so that the pet is safe and healthy.
• 14. Tumpek Wayang. On this day Balinese Hindus making offerings as an expression of gratitude to "Sang Hyang Iswara" of his creation in the form of art. This day is devoted to the art in the form of a traditional puppet show. The offerings were made to invoke the blessing, so this art remain stable, fun and magical.
• 15. Buda Cemeng Klawu. Also known as Buda Wage Klawu, a ritual tradition devoted to "Ida Bhatara Rambut Sedana" or "Goddess of Prosperity", which brings wealth and good luck. Almost all businesses, merchants, shopkeepers, restaurants and others perform this ritual.
• 16. Saraswati. This day is devoted to “Dewi Saraswati" or "Goddess of Knowledge, Science, and Art". The Balinese make offerings for the Holy Scriptures, Book of Sciences, and Art.

Ceremonies based on Sasih fall once a year. The celebration is as follows:

• 1. Nangluk Merana. This ritual is performed to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi, aims to counteract or controlling "the disturbance" that could bring destruction to crops (paddy), animals and humans.
• 2. Siwaratri. Often referred as the 'Night of Siwa', an auspicious time for introspection and meditation. Balinese pray for forgiveness of their sins and to reach higher consciousness.
• 3. Melasti/ Mekiyis. On this day, Balinese Hindu perform ritual of purification of the sacred object (pralingga / pratima), taken to the beach or the source of holy water. This is a series of activities of Nyepi.
• 4. Tawur Agung Kesanga/ Pengerupukan. This ritual is performed the day before Nyepi, the Balinese people usually carry the show of "Ogoh-ogoh" through village streets and catus patha, to ward off negative energy and not disturb the human life.
• 5. Nyepi. This is a Balinese "Day of Silence", commemorated every Isakawarsa (Saka New Year). A day of absolute silence for the Balinese Hindu, where no fire is lit (amati gni), no work (amati karya), no traveling (amati lelungan) and no amusement (amati lelanguan), called Catur Brata Penyepian.
• 6. Ngembak Geni. It carried out the day after Nyepi by praying in Mrajan and mutual visiting relatives and friends to establish social harmony.

In addition to religious ceremonies that are so attractive, Bali also organizes several annual events that are no less interesting, scattered in several locations. The annual event is as follows:

• 1. Ubud Food Festival (May). A culinary adventure showcasing Indonesia's diverse cuisine, innovative chefs, and extraordinary local products. Alongside Indonesian chefs, restaurateurs, producers and food professionals, celebrated culinary icons from around the world, will dish up a program that rich in tastes and fresh ideas.
• 2. Bali Art Festival (Mid June to Mid July). It is an annual event, held for a month, filled with incredible dance performances from the classical dances, offering dances, to the contemporary royal dances. Bali Arts Festival becomes one of the most awaited festivals each year, support both emerging international artists and talented local performers.
• 3. Bali Kite Festival (July and August). The timing of the kite festival is in July and August, as this marks the start of the windy season in Bali. The festival started off as a colorful fanfare to thank the gods for bountiful harvests and fertility, become one of the most remarkable events on Bali and attract thousands of visitors each year.
• 4. Makepung Buffalo Race Jembrana (July to November). Makepung is a race competition involving buffalos to chasing one another. This is a unique and attracting tradition from Jembrana Regency, Bali. This activity has become a unique tourist attraction. This Makepung tradition is usually held during the main harvest period; from July to November each year (dates and places may vary).
• 5. Sanur Village Festival (August). SVF is a community event which is a combination of several large-scale events such as food festivals, exhibitions of creative economy, various contests and competitions, art and cultural attractions, music and various types of environmentally friendly activities.
• 6. Legian Beach Festival (August). An outdoor festival runs both day and night along Legian Beach. The festival presents plenty of events including live music, dance, Balinese cuisine, surfing, yoga, and plenty of market stalls.

• 7. Lovina Beach Festival (September). An annual event, takes place by the beach in the surrounding villages of Kalibukbuk and Kaliasem. The festival present the traditions and cultural practices in Bali, handicraft exhibitions, photography contests, flower offerings, bull race, puppet performances and live music.
• 8. Kuta Karnival (October). It is an annual event held in Kuta Beach, Bali. Kuta Karnival is full of excitement, presents series of events such as Kite Festival, Balinese Arts, Cartoon exhibitions, Movie Screening, Bali Food Festival, Sand Sculpture Competition and more.

• 9. Nusa Dua Fiesta (November). Initially only a hotel and tenant appreciation activities to visitors in the region. Transformed into a huge party, became the arena of art attractions, cultural, culinary, sports and entertainment.
• 10. Pandawa Beach Festival (December). This is an annual event held from December 25 until January 1 each year, to celebrate Christmas and New Year. The festival presents the traditional arts of the region and the performing arts.

In addition to the implementation of religious ceremonies and annual events, Balinese also organizes celebrations during the New Moon and Full Moon and also celebrations in major temples called "piodalan" or the temple anniversary (the schedule is adjusted to the temple itself).

Calculation of the number of days in the Balinese calendar (Saka) is different from the Masehi calendar. Therefore, the date of religious ceremonies will change if viewed from the Masehi calendar. You can see the schedule of religious ceremonies and annual events on this link: Bali Ceremonies and Events.