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Pratima and Pralingga: Effigies of the Gods

Every year, the island of Bali comes alive with a profound and deeply spiritual tradition known as melasti. It is a ritual of purification, during which worshippers travel to the beach in procession. Carried upon their heads are special objects, often wrapped in sacred textiles. These are the pratima and pralingga, effigies symbolising gods and

Kamela Amara

Kebo Iwa: The Giant Who Shaped Bali’s Legends and Landscape

Bali is a land of lush landscapes and vibrant cultures, rich in myths and legends. Amongst these, the tale of Kebo Iwa stands out for its poignant narrative and profound themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the seismic power shifts that altered Bali’s past. Kebo Iwa, meaning “Uncle Buffalo,” was a figure of immense strength and

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The Origins of Tajen in Indonesia: A Time-Honoured Tradition

Cockfighting, known locally as tajen or sabung ayam is not merely a pastime in Indonesia; it is a cultural institution deeply intertwined especially with Bali’s spiritual beliefs. Today, it is a familiar image of wicker baskets lining roads around Indonesia, housing roosters as they are toughened up with traffic sounds. In this article, Sake Santema

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Balinese Artist Mangu Putra’s Momentary Blurring of a Historical Timeline

An archival Black & White photograph dated 20 September, 1906, depicts a transport boat, part of the naval forces of the Sixth Military Expedition of the Royal Dutch East Indies Army, anchored offshore of Sanur, Bali. Colonial machines of war, equipment, soldiers, and horses disembark into landing vessels bound for Padang Galak beach.  Naval artillery

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The Story of Galungan: When Good Triumphs Over Evil

Galungan is one of the most important ceremonies on the Balinese calendar. The exact dates of this auspicious day are calculated through the 210-day Pawukon calendar, where the Galungan period will last 10 days, starting from Galungan and ending on Kuningan. Available on your preferred Podcast Platform:iTunes • Spotify • Google Podcasts • Pocket Casts • Radio Public You’ll know when Galungan is coming a

Five Elements of Life: Pancha Mahabhuta Exhibition at The Apurva Kempinski Bali

For the 2024 Powerful Indonesia: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika program in parity with Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day, award-winning hotel The Apurva Kempinski Bali publicly presents the Gallery of Art ‘Pancha Mahabhuta’ Exhibition from 17 August to October 2024 in their Pendopo Lobby. An exclusive idiosyncratic voyage awaits, wherein renowned artists I Made Griyawan and Teja Astawa

The Culture of Kites in Bali: A Show of Community and Creativity

From June to September, cool winds from the Australian winter blow across the island’s south coast, and the combination of warm sunshine and beach breeze make for a most delightful climate. Whilst visitors relish in the perfect sunbathing weather, the Balinese capitalise on this auspicious meteorology to engage in the island-favourite pastime: flying kites! •

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Otherness, Nationalism & Balinese Identity

The following is an excerpt from the book, “Bali, 50 Years of Changes” by author Eric Buvelot together with socio-ethnologist and renowned Bali expert Jean Couteau. The book is the result of 20 hours of discussion about changes that have happened in Bali since the 70’s. The conversation was structured and segmented according to many

Bija: Blessed Grains of Rice

Upon leaving the temple, grains of rice are often seen stuck to the forehead and necks of worshippers, both on women and men. This particular rice is called bija, and signifies being in a state of holiness. During worship ceremonies, Balinese Hindus not only receive tirta (holy water, referred to as nunas tirta), but also bija (referred

The Spice Islands of Indonesia: A Brief History Told Through Old Maps

Sake Santema, from Indies Gallery, showcases a collection of his antique maps featuring early depictions of the Spice Islands. These maps offer unique insight into how, back in the day, spices held a high value even comparable to gold. Spices have been a cornerstone of global commerce for thousands of years, shaping the course of

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