GALUNGAN CELEBRATION

If you happen to visit Bali ahead of the Galungan Days, you will find that the most exciting temples decorated, dressed with white and  yellow cloth wrapped around their temples. Streets are lined with Penjor, offerings suspended from the high, arched bamboo pool with decorations. Arch represents Mt. Agung, the body is a river that flows from the mountains to the sea, and along the route is the product of the harvest, tied to a pole, at the foot of the pole is a temporary temple. The Balinese Hindus use the Saka lunar calendar and the 210-day calendar Pawukon. Each of the 30 seven-day weeks in the cycle Pawukon have a unique name. Ten days between Wednesday Dunggulan, week 11, and Saturday from Brass, week 12, is a period called or  Kuningan started ending on the day.

It is unique 10-day celebration commemorates the goodness over evil in typically a melodramatic style. Balinese mythology colorful to say the least and the story behind Galungan took it to whole new level. Briefly, it involves a giant evil shape-shifting, blood stream and yearlong battle royal between the Gods. During Galungan divine spirit back to earth and expect to be welcomed and entertained by Balinese ritual is important and lavish parties.

BARONG DANCE

Barong is a symbol of good character in the mythology of Bali.  He is a lion like king creature and the leader of the hosts of good. He has an enemy, her name is Rangda. She is the demon queen and mother of all spirit guarders in the mythological traditions of Bali. The battle between Barong and Rangda is featured in Barong dance to represent the eternal battle between good and evil. In Balinese mythology, the good spirit is identified as Banas Pati Raja. Banas Pati Raja is the fourth "brother" or spirit child that accompanies a child throughout their life, which is a similar concept to guardian angels. Banas Pati Raja is the spirit which animates Barong. A protector spirit, he is often represented as a lion. The Barong is often portrayed accompanied by two monkeys. Barong is portrayed as a lion with red head, covered in white thick fur, and wearing gilded jewelry adorned with pieces of mirrors. The shape of lion Barong is somewhat similar to a Pekingese dog.

On the other hand, Rangda is Barong's opposite. While Barong represent good, Rangda represent evil. Rangda is known as a demon queen, the incarnation of Calon Arang, the legendary witch that wrecking havoc in ancient Java during the reign of Airlangga in 10th century. It is said that Calon Arang was a widow, powerful in black magic, who often damaged farmer's crops and caused disease to come. She had a girl, named Ratna Manggali, who, though beautiful, could not get a husband because people were afraid of her mother. Because of the difficulties faced by her daughter, Calon Arang was angry and she intended to take revenge by kidnapping a young girl. She brought the girl to a temple to be sacrificed to the goddess Durga. The next day, a great flood engulfed the village and many people died. Disease also appeared.

HERITAGE CULTURE

Indonesia is rich in culture. There are many of the ethnic, racial, and religious  stay in here. One of the best known is Bali. Bali has a lot of culture passed down by our forefathers. It is very well known up to foreign countries
Balinese culture is very diverse. There are gamelan, dance, performance art, and puppets. The most famous is Balinese dance. Balinese dance can be categorized into three types, Wali dance (sacred), Bebali dance (ceremony) and Balih-balihan dance (entertainment). Wali dance is just perfomance in anytime and particular place. Bebali dance is danced in middle courtyard of the temple. But Balih - balihan dance is danced in the outside courtyard of the temple (jaba side) and this is an entertainment show.
The first couple dance is Oleg Tamulilingan dance. It is also called Tambulilingan Mangisep Sari,  which created by I Ketut Mario in Tabanan, 1952 that requested by John Coast (from America). This dance is depicts the movement of a bettle, which was playing around and make romance with a flower in a garden. This dance is very beautiful.

Balinese Tradition

Ogoh-ogoh is one of the Bali traditions are staged regularly.  A statue that built of wood and bamboo,  so high about 20 feets. It is made ​​for Ngerupuk parade, which take place on the eve of Nyepi day in Bali. Ogoh-ogoh usually has the shape of mythological beings, most of the devil. As creative endeavors by Hindu Bali, Ogoh-ogoh creation is inspired by Hindu spiritual philosophy aims.

Ogoh-ogoh caka 1933

These  Bali traditions are symbol of  Bhuta-Kala, according to Hindu teachings. Beside it, it is also considered a symbol of nature's mode that form the malicious characters of living beings. Ogoh-ogoh are usually made by people that live in one village. Sometimes helped by the group of artists found in village around Bali. The process is quite long, need three months till finish.

Offerings in Bali

Offering in Bali

Indonesia has more than 17000 islands which has five of main islands ; Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan ( Borneo ), Sulawesi, and Bali are the most dense population. And about 7000 islands are inhabited. Bali with its more than 3 million population is a culture rich and unique island. Everyday it is almost cultural event is hold in every family and the neighborhood and present offerings to Hindu's God.