On 29 September 2006, 5000 male and female dancers gathered at the foot of one of Bali’s most beautiful temples, Pura Tanah Lot, for an historic performance of the celebrated Kecak dance. The event take place against an ocean backdrop within sight of the dramatic island outcrop that houses Pura Tanah Lot. Organized by the mayor of Tabanan province Adi Wiryatama, the unprecedented spectacle has brought together a broad cross section of participants from the local community from a variety of professions, religious persuasions and cultural backgrounds. Over the last few months, more than 6,500 individuals, from university students to police officers to local community groups, have been taking part in practice sessions across Tabanan regency and it is expected that 5000 guests will turn up on Friday 29 September for the event.

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The Balinese lunar calendar is filled with auspicious days of religious and cultural significance. There will be yet another ceremonial occasion on Saturday, September 30, 2006 known as Tumpek Landep.

The word ‘landep’ in the high-caste Balinese dialect means ‘sharp’ and traditionally this day is where tools and family heirlooms of weaponry, such as sacred swords or keris (double edged dagger with wavy blade), are sanctified.

Although not every Balinese family owns a keris, those who do treat it with respect. Historically a keris was not just seen as a mere weapon, it was revered for possessing protective magical powers and was an indication of social status. Keris that date back to the Majapahit era are renowned and have become collectors’ items around the world. The keris is a symbolic part of the male costume in many traditional Balinese dances as well as being part of a groom’s wedding attire.

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The Bali terrorist attacks have not only forced locals to rethink the role of the tourism industry but, most importantly, they have provided the necessary momentum for the rise of the Ajeg Bali movement. Initially conceived as a movement to preserve the island’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage, Ajeg Bali has grown in the last few years into a movement stressing economic, social and political self-reliance.

From a tiny movement initiated by a few of the island’s elites, Ajeg Bali has grown into a popular ideology with a large number of followers, who could significantly influence the course and future of the island.

“The bombings have left Bali in disarray. The attacks have tainted our image, damaged our economy and shattered any sense of safety and invincibility that we ever had,” a respected scholar, Ketut Sumarta said.

“We need to do something big to regain control over our island, over our self. That big thing, many people believe, is Ajeg Bali.”

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We had always heard about Trance Dances, but had not encountered one. We asked at Taman Sari hotel if any ceremonies were taking place near Permuteran. Luckily there was a trance dance, on the occasion of a person being ill. The whole family turned out to do their part. We were the only Westerners there.

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There is going to be a 5000 man Kecak at Tanah Lot on September 29^th. It is being performed and produced by folks in Tabanan. They are going to spend close to US $100,000 on this as part of BALI RECOVERY. I won’t comment on that, but if you’re on the island, it should be quite a spectacle! Not sure of the time, but I assume it’s dusk onwards….

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Janggawari is special place for dead body after bathing, only Priest can use it. Two dragons guarded both front side, white and yellow color only used to decorate. Then it is put on Bale Dangin (East pavilion) until cremation will start.

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