Monday, 3/19/2007, early in the morning, the island of Bali will be blanketed with silence. Nyepi, Balinese New Year is celebrated with day of silence, fasting, and meditation.
Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for contemplation and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are Amati Geni (no lighting fires); Amati Karya (no working); Amati Lelanguan (no entertainment or pleasure); and Amati Lelungan (no traveling); and for some, no talking or eating at all. Prohibition against lighting fires includes the use of light bulb and electricity, but there is an exception for those who sick or if there is an infant in a family, a minimum light is allowed. However, the emergency services such as hospitals are operational. Exceptions are granted for emergency vehicles carrying those with life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth and the pecalang, traditional security force will open roads and assist people to a hospital in emergencies.

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This ritual occurs every two years on the full moon on the fourth month (October 7, 2006). The four villages (Bugbug, Ngis, Jasi and Bebandem) participate in a “war of the gods” which is in fact the enactment of an old legend:

The god of Bugbug had three daughters and one son. One of the daughter was to marry the god of Bebandem but she eloped with the god of Jasi. To appease the former, the god of Bugbug gave his second daughter and son to him, and the third daughter was married off to the god of Ngis. The war is to resolve the dispute, and the ritual battle takes place near the temple on the top of Gumang Hill.

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On September 20, 2006, the Balinese Hindus celebrated Pagerwesi, a very special day devoted to our ancestors. During this day, we ask for protection and prosperity.

Pagerwesi is literally translated as ‘iron fence’. Pagerwesi is celebrated every 210 days based on the Balinese lunar calendar. The length of the Balinese year differs from the western calendar and is 210 days long. Philosophically, the name ‘iron fence’ refers to the strong barrier against evil.

On this day, offerings are made to the Almighty and the holy spirit of each family’s ancestors. Prayers are held at family compounds and family temple shrines as well as at village temples throughout the island.

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Simple explanation of the ‘Melukat’ is a Hindu’s Balinese way to recharging and purification of spiritual enthusiasm.

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To truly appreciate the environmental wonders of the island, one needs to understand that Bali’s beauty is not merely the result of faceless natural forces such as the grinding of ocean plates, the rush of volcanic flows, the pull of the tides or the sweep of the sea winds. Bali’s spectacular natural bounty is also very much a product of the intimate relationship the Balinese people have with their environment. To the Balinese, the natural landscape is a divine creation marked by spiritually powerful sites. According to local belief, the environment is not merely a neutral backdrop for human activity, but is a vital, animate force with which one must maintain harmonious relationships.

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…with anger. All fled (including little children in the audience who suddenly ran for the cover of their mother’s sarongs).

We were electrified. Now what? How is Panji going to deal with that? Surely, only a powerful Brahmin can beat off this raging beast!

But there was no need to worry, for Rangda kicked over the metaphorical chess-board, the dancer impersonating her suddenly becoming possessed by her spirit, yelling something incoherently, jumping up and down, then arching his back and trembling. Men from the orchestra rushed to restrain him, the priest moved in to administer exorcism. But then things got out of hand altogether, for soon the chief attendant (the one who dances like a mechanical egg-beater) was possessed, too, writhing and screaming. There was a huge ado and a huge crowd of Indonesians descended with their cameras rolling.

As a guest in their country I did not feel I could importune my lens on what seemed like a very private matter. No photo. Use your imagination.

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