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Hindus in Bali apply strict rules regarding temples and ceremonies. These
rules mainly concern dress requirements and conditions of 'sebel' (taboo)
such as menstruation or open wounds, bringing food into the temple, being
physically or mentally ill, being in a state of mourning (for the Balinese
this lasts 42 days), and having given birth within the past 42 days. Other
rules need to be observed or asked for, especially during festivals.
Religious guidelines
1. Always wear a sarong and sash.
2. Do not walk in front of people when they are praying.
3. Do not use flash or point your camera at the priest's face!
4. Never sit higher than the priest or the offerings.
5. During cremation ceremonies, do not get in the way of attendees, howerver
perfect that photographic moment might be...
6. Women are not allowed to enter temples during their menstruation.
Hari Raya Nyepi - Nyepi Ceremony, 16 March 2010. is a
Hindu Day of Silence or the Hindu New Year in the Balinese Saka calendar.
The largest celebrations are held in Bali as well as in Balinese Hindu
communities around Indonesia. On New Year's Eve the villages are cleaned,
food is cooked for 2 days and in the evening as much noise is made as
possible to scare away the devils. On the following day, Hindus do not
leave their homes, cook or engage in any activity. Streets are deserted,
and tourists are not allowed to leave hotel complexes.
Nyepi (Balinese New Year) is also determined using the
Balinese calendar, the eve of Nyepi falling on the night of the new moon
whenever it occurs around March/April each year. Therefore, the date for
Nyepi changes every year, and there is not a constant number of days difference
between each Nyepi as there is for such days as Galungan and Kuningan.
To find out when Nyepi falls in a given year, you will need information
on the cycles of the moon for that year. Whenever the new moon falls between
mid-March and mid-April, that night will be the night of great activity
and exorcism island-wide, while the next day will be the day of total
peace and quiet, where everything stops for a day.
The Galungan Ceremony, 12 May 2010. One of Bali’s
major festivals, celebrates the return of Balinese gods and deified ancestors
to Bali. For ten days, Balinese families will entertain and welcome with
prayers and offerings, along with ceremonies to cleanse and balance the
inner and outer energy on the island. Galungan lasts for 10 days and features,
among other things, barongs dancing from temple to temple in each village.
The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The origins of
Galungan are still a mystery, but essentially this is the beginning of
the week in which the gods and ancestors descend to earth…and good
triumphs over evil.
The Kuningan Ceremony, 22 May 2010. This festival is
held ten days after the Galungan Festival, signifying the closing of the
new year holiday. On this day, special offerings made of yellow rice and
special dishes are offered, while every family compound and temple looks
amazing with ornaments. Believed to be the ascendent day of ancestral
holy spirits and Deities back to heaven.
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