5 beautiful rituals that shape daily life in Bali
What's the story
Rich in traditions, Balinese culture is steeped in rituals that are intricately linked with the lives of its people. From spirituality to community and nature, the rituals reflect a beautiful amalgamation of everything. Every day in Bali is a celebration with ceremonies dedicated to deities, ancestors, and nature. Here, we take a look at five mesmerizing rituals that define Balinese life.
Daily offering
Canang sari offerings
Canang sari is a daily ritual where small offerings are made to express gratitude and maintain balance. The offerings include flowers, rice, and incense in palm leaf trays. You can find them on sidewalks, homes, and elsewhere in Bali. Preparing and presenting Canang sari is believed to bring peace and prosperity to families.
Festival ritual
Galungan celebration
Galungan is an important festival that is celebrated every 210 days according to the Balinese calendar. It represents the victory of dharma over adharma, or good over evil. Families reunite to pay respects to their ancestors through prayers and offerings. Streets are lined with penjor—bamboo poles with coconut leaves—making the island festive.
Day of Silence
Nyepi Day silence
Nyepi Day celebrates the Balinese New Year with a strange quirk: utter silence across the island for 24 hours. On this day, everything comes to a halt as locals stay inside contemplating self-improvement while not even lighting fires or utilizing electricity. This ritual is aimed at purifying souls by encouraging self-reflection in the calm.
Temple ceremony
Odalan temple ceremonies
Odalan ceremonies are held regularly at each temple according to its founding date in the Pawukon calendar system, which is a 210-day cycle. These colorful events feature music performances such as gamelan orchestras as well as traditional dances by locals dressed in colorful attire as they pay homage through prayers during these sacred gatherings.
Purification ceremony
Melukat purification rituals
Melukat involves cleansing oneself spiritually using water brought from places found throughout Bali's lush landscapes. The practice takes place near Ubud town center, where visitors join locals. They seek renewal through rites believed to not only wash away physical impurities but also emotional burdens. This is said to restore the harmony and balance to one's life journey ahead, without any hindrance whatsoever.