Purification Ritual at Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul a stunning Hindu temple located in Tampak Siring north of Ubud on the way to Kintamani. Founded in 926 AD and dedicated to Wisnu Tirta Empul temple famous for Melukat purification rituals. Entering the inner courtyard, which is the main area of the temple, the holy springs

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Nyepi Day of Silence

The unique day of silence marks the turn of the Saka calendar of western Indian origin, one among the many calendars assimilated by Indonesia’s diverse cultures, and among two jointly used in Bali. The Saka is 78 years behind the Gregorian calendar, and follows a lunar sequence. Nyepi follows after a new moon.

Village meeting halls known as ‘banjar’ and streets feature papier-mâché effigies called ogoh-ogoh, built throughout the weeks leading up to the Saka New Year. Youth groups design and build their mythical figures with intricately shaped and tied bamboo framework before many layers of artwork. These artistic creations are offshoots of the celebration since its dawning in the early 80s, which stayed on to become an inseparable element in the island-wide celebration that is Nyepi Eve.

Before ‘the silence’,

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Tawur Agung Betara Turun Kabeh at Besakih Temple

betara turun kabeh, besakih, gorgeous baliTawur Agung Betara Turun Kabeh at Besakih Temple
23 March – 13 April 2016

Procession of Betara Turun Kabeh ceremony which falls annually on the full moon (tenth month of Balinese calendar) sasih Kedasa at Pura Besakih is an expression of gratitude to the God, Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa for the blessings of safety, health and prosperity that has been transferred to all creatures in the world. Led by 32 priests, thousands of Hindu devotees from Bali and other places in Indonesia will flock to Besakih Temple to observe the ceremony.

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