Pilgrimage, especially to the temple is an indispensable part of Balinese culture and religion. There is an indescribable joy in every Balinese face when they head to the temple especial a far off temple. It is always chance of a life time since death comes at anytime, and we never know whether this pilgrimage will be the last or not.

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There are several kinds of temple pilgrimage that are executed by the Balinese. The most common pilgrimage is “maaturan”, a pilgrimage to pay homage to a temple when there is an odalan (temple anniversary) is held. For a big island-wide temple such as Besakih or Batukaru, hundreds thousands of pilgrimages with beautiful offering will flock to the temple to show their gratitude and deliver silent prayers to the god. When a great ceremony such as Bhatara Turun Kabeh (Gods descend all together) or Panca Wali Krama is held in Besakih temple, all Balinese is required to come at least each family is supposed to send a representative if the entire family cannot make it.

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Today is the new moon of the sixth month in Balinese Caka calendar. Many religious events and temple ceremonies are held all over Bali the biggest of them is the Panca Wali Krama ceremony in Taman Ayun Temple Mengwi. This Panca Wali Krama ceremony is held every five years, but today the Panca Wali Krama ceremony in Taman Ayun temple is not an ordinary Panca Wali Krama ceremony since it is coincide with the Mamungkah and Mupuk Padagingan ceremony which is held every 30 years. This ceremony will be full of festivities and celebration and it will be held for 11 days, starting from 12/19/06 until 12/30/06.

Another great temple ceremony is the Uluwatu Temple ceremony. Uluwatu belongs to the group of six main temple of Bali and Balinese will come from all over Bali to pray and give homage to the deities in Uluwatu temple. This temple festival is always a magnificent event to be seen.