must see festivals in bali (part 1)
Bali being the Land of Gods because of its beauty it is also the part of Indonesia where muslims are not a majority. Majority of its population is of Balinese Hinduism followers. Which was formed as a combination of existing local beliefs and Hindu influences from Southeast Asia and South Asia. This religion is center on the belief of incarnation. To celebrate life, they hold many festivals throughout the year. The festivals involve making of offerings, purification of their souls, and celebrating well again celebrating the life. So among the beauty of the beaches, mountains & green rice fields there is spiritual beauty which these colorful festivals hold. I have witnessed a few myself and they just leave you mesmerized. So I am listing some of the festivals which i personally experienced in my multiple trips to Bali.
The Eka Dasa Rudra Festival
Okay this one i didn’t witness since the last time it held, was years before my existence. But it is the most important religious festival in Bali and it only happens once in a hundred years. Purpose of listing it down is to let you guys know since you are reading it that is on my bucket list. Last record of it being held was in 1979 so let’s hope i make it to 2079 and yes this festival involves demons among which Rudra is the most powerful.
The Odalan Festival
This is a festival which is celebrated throughout the year, Consider it is as celebrating the happy birthday of the temple. Just like yours i mean if you can celebrate your birthday why they can not celebrate the birthday of their temples as Odalan means the birth. Since this festival is celebrated throughout the year so there are high chances that you may witness one of two during your visit. This involves Balinese decorate their temples beautifully during this festival. You will love the decorations since they use the most basic materials like bamboo, flowers,palm leaves etc. Prayers are accompanied by food offerings to the gods to mark the festival. But the one Odalan Festival that should be on your bucket list is to witness the celebration at Pura Besakih, known as the “mother temple”. You will have your best trip memories on it. To see this you should visit in the month of April, this is when Balinese families honor their largest temple by climbing through air heavy with incense and humming with ancient prayers to give thanks for the great life they have been given.
The Melasti Festival
This is one of the most interesting festivals as it involves purification which i personally believe is mandatory for almost everyone in this impure world. During this festival the people of bali decorate their temples beautifully and there are like a lot of offerings to their Gods. I mean literally you will see them slaughtering pigs as offerings. And then they form in a parade where children are dressed in their traditional hindu dresses and walk towards the sea to wash their sacred statues. And then people of bali observe a day of silence after this festival of purification. And well since it is becoming too long so i will continue it some other time. I hope it’s a good read and please note that i can be wrong in details as whatever i am writing is through my personal experience and observation.