Sunday, 24^th September, 2006

A crowd of spectators had the opportunity to witness a grandiose Balinese cremation ceremony in Ubud recently. The deceased was Ida Cokorda Istri Rai, daughter-in-law of the King of Peliatan, and the high-caste status of this royal family ensured that it was an elaborate occasion.

The cremation procession featured a Naga Banda, a mythical dragon-like creature with a 5-metre long tail, which is one of the elements that made this high-caste ritual such a spectacular event.

The cremation tower was 21-metres high with the mandatory nine tiers. Local electricity and telephone lines were temporarily cut to allow the procession to pass along the road to the cemetery. A total of 21 village communities participated in this event, which included many hours of social work to prepare al the ritual offerings that are an intrinsic part of the ceremony. A Balinese cremation marks the separation of the body and soul to enable future reincarnation.

Several leading officials attended the ceremony, including Bali’s Governor, I Dewa Made Beratha.

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