Pagerwesi - 29 September 2010

The name literally means 'iron fence', on which day ceremonies and prayers are held for strong mental and spiritual defense in welcoming the Galungan holiday.

Saraswati - 25 September 2010

This day is devoted to God's Manifestation as Dewi Saraswati, the beautiful Goddess of Knowledge, Art and Literature. On this day, books of knowledge, manuscripts and the Wedas are blessed and special offerings are made for them.

Idul Fitri - 10 and 11 September 2010

Idul Fitri marks the end of the fasting of Ramadan. This has to do with the communal aspects of the fast, which expresses many of the basic values of the Muslim community. Fasting is believed by some scholars to extol fundamental distinctions, lauding the power of the spiritual realm, while acknowledging the subordination of the physical realm

Tumpek Wayang - 4 September 2010

On this sacred day, a set of special offering is presented to to Sanghyang Iswara, Lord of Puppeteers. This holiday is the most important day for owners of leather puppets and puppeteers when they give special homage to their leather puppets (wayang). The puppets are taken from their box (keropak), placed in position just as if an actual performance were being given and blessed by the owner. A dalang (puppeteer) will remove all his puppets from storage - as many as 100 of them - and set them all up to receive the offerings.

Proclamation of Indonesian Independence - August 17, 1945

(source: wikipedia)
The Proclamation of Indonesian Independence (Indonesian: Proklamasi Kemerdekaan Indonesia, or simply Proklamasi) was officially made at 10.00 a.m. sharp on Friday, August 17, 1945. The declaration marked the start of the five year diplomatic and armed-resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution, fighting against the forces of the Netherlands until the latter officially acknowledged Indonesia's independence in 1949. In 2005, the Netherlands declared that they had decided to accept 17 August 1945 as Indonesia's independence date.

SANUR VILLAGE FESTIVAL July 31- August 8, 2010

This annual festival is another life celebration of Bali, centralized for Sanur area. Culture, art and culinary blend together in this festivity.

Here is the schedule for the Sanur Village Festival 2010.

THE 32nd BALI KITE FESTIVAL July 23 - 25, 2010

The Bali Kite Festival is an annual international kite festival held in July in Padang Galak area, Sanur Beach, Bali. Traditional giant kites (4 meters in width and almost 10 meters in length) are made and flown competitively by teams from the villages (banjar) of Denpasar. The event is a seasonal religious festival intended to send a message to the Hindu Gods to create abundant crops and harvests.

Bebean (fish-shaped), Janggan (bird-shaped) and Pecukan (leaf-shaped) are three traditional kites flown during this kite festival. The kites are flown by teams of 10 or more adult kitefliers. The Bebean is the largest kite, and looks like a broad-mouthed, split-tailed fish. The Janggan form has a broad flowing cloth tail that can reach more than 100 meters in length. The Pecukan requires the most skill to fly, as its unstable form often tumbles towards the ground. Red, white and black are traditional colours used in the kite's designs. Each type of traditional kite has its own competition, with heats of 10 teams vying for the best launch and longest flight. Sometimes the kites come down over the adjacent rice paddies, and the team members have to dash through the paddy to rescue the kite before it lands in the water.

A competition is also held for 'New Creation' kites which may include detailed three dimensional figures representing the Hindu Gods or sponsorship kites. Traditional and new creation kites are constructed from bamboo and cotton cloth.

In the dry season of June through August, the winds blow continually from east to west in most of Indonesia. Balinese children and adults fly kites in the vacant rice paddies during this period.

A gamelan orchestra plays music throughout the festival. The festival attracts many tourists and international kitefliers, along with many local spectators.

Courtesy of balikitefestival.com

GEMPITA GIANYAR 2 - 3 July 2010

After a successful event in 2007 and 2008, this year GEMPITA GIANYAR will be held again in Ubud on 2-3 July 2010. In its third year, GEMPITA GIANYAR is held also in appreciation of Ubud's recent achievement after it had been named as The Best City in Asia by Conde Nast pubication in the U.S. This important momentum sets a landmark for Ubud and Gianyar, which brought Sekar Saji Nusantara and the Regional Government of Gianyar to offer much exciting art and cultural showcase at this year's GEMPITA GIANYAR.

Set to be Ubud’s annual festival of art, culture and fashion, GEMPITA GIANYAR 2010 will present a number of highlight events, as follows:

An exotic, Balinese cultural show "Tri Hita Karana", which means a relations between humans and God, nature and other humans. To be performed on an open-air stage in Astina Ubud, "Tri Hita Karana" will present Dewa Budjana as the music director, teen singer Gita Gutawa, dancer Ayu Laksmi, along with two internationally-acclaimed Balinese dance maestros Ketut Rina and Oka Dalam. More than 150 Balinese performers will participate in the show. "Tri Hita Karana" will be held on 2 July 2010 at 21:00 WITA.

"Ubud Street Bash", a never-before carnival of Balinese traditional dance, music and fashion in the main street of Ubud. Over 1,000 people will participate in the parade, including 7 Balinese traditional dance and musical groups from 7 sub-districts in Gianyar and a Balinese Tenun fashion parade showcasing Tenun masterpieces by 25 designers. The designers participating at the fashion parade are Chossy Latu, Denny Wirawan, Deden Siswanto, Ivan Gunawan, Era Soekamto, Barli Asmara, Syahreza Muslim, Ali Charisma, Ari Seputra, Ade Sagi, Danny Satriadi, Oscar Lawalata, Angelica Wu, Dina Midiani, Dwi Iskandar, Enny Ming, Lenny Agustin, Malik Moestam, Monika Weber, Yenli Wijaya, Oka Diputra, Putu Aliki, Sofie, Tude Togog, Tjok Abi, Taruna K Kusmayadi and Thomas Sigar. "Ubud Street Bash"will be held on 3 July 2010 at 16:00 WITA, and will start from Puri Ubud and finish at Astina Ubud.

"Peliatan Royal Heritage Dinner" is a dinner program for special guests of GEMPITA GIANYAR 2010. Presented in an authentic Balinese traditional setting, "Peliatan Royal Heritage Dinner" is a tribute to the preservation of Gianyar’s royal heritage, providing an experience of Balinese traditional cuisine and recipes. To be held at Puri Peliatan, "Peliatan Royal Heritage Dinner" will be hosted by the royal court of Gianyar and will as well mark the closing of GEMPITA GIANYAR 2010.

As part of GEMPITA GIANYAR's commitment to involving the young generation in the cultural preservation initiative, "Youth Art Camp" will be held to involve students between 15-18 years of age in a 5-day summer art camp. Throughout the course of the camp, the teen participants will stay in Ubud and learn about Balinese art, culture and tradition, and will perform in "Tri Hita Karana". "Youth Art Camp" will take place from 30 June to 4 July 2010.

TUMPEK KANDANG July 31st, 2010

The celebration of Tumpek Kandang is dedicated to Sang Hyang Rare Angon, the god of cattle and livestock.On this day, Balinese show their appreciation for all domesticated animals that help them in their everyday life by presenting special offerings and prayers tp the God. Holy water and rice are sprinkled on the head of these animals at the end of the ceremony.Tumpek Kandang, also known as Tumpek Andang, falls exactly on the day of Saniscara Kliwon Wuku Uye according to the Balinese calendar, which combines calculations of lunar and solar calendars with the indigenous, local calendar Pawukon and Wewaran. Lunar and solar calendars are based on the movement of celestial bodies whereas Pawukon and Wewaran are based on a fixed, cyclical pattern.

The name Tumpek Kandang is derived from two words, "Tumpek" that means Saturday and "Kandang", the Balinese word for cage, symbolizing domesticated animals honored by Balinese Hindus, especially cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, dogs and birds.During this celebration, the animals are given great attention; the cows are washed in the river and are dressed up with a special cone-shaped spiral made out of coconut leaf that is placed on their horns. The pigs have their bellies wrapped with a white or yellow cloth. They are also fed with the best food.The Balinese inherited the Tumpek Kandang to preserve nature, balance the ecosystem and maintain harmonious relations between humans, the environment and God, in line with the Hindu belief of Tri Hita Karana. Through this celebration, they expect the livestock will bring them more prosperity.

June 12th - July 10th 2010: Bali Art Festival XXXI

The annual Bali Arts Festival is held for a month in Bali Art Centre - Taman Budaya Ardha Candra in Denpasar, Bali. During the festival a large number of exhibitions, cultural programs, contests, competitions and other related activities are held. The festivals are attended by large number of people coming from the districts as well as the villages around Bali island.

June 12th 2010 is the The 32nd Bali Art Festival Opening Parade at Niti Mandala Renon square, Denpasar.

Saturday, June 12th, 2010: Bali Is My Life - Charity Golf Tournament

Bali Golf and Country Club, Nusa Dua
Shotgun start at 01.00pm
Entries limited to first 144 players to register
Great golf festivities – sponsored "goodies" on golf holes
Entry fee Rp 1,250,000 net per player, inclusive of:
"Bali Is My Life" Goodie Bag - Golf - Lunch Box - 19th Holte Libations - Award Dinner - Entertainment - Golf Trophies & Prizes

Non golfers are very welcome to join in the fun at the awards dinner at Nikko Bali Resort and Spa at Rp 300,000net per person including a “Bali is My Life” Goodie Bag.

Information and Entry hotlines:
Ms. Dede Rai Viany - +62 361 771 791 ext. 104
Ms. Komang Puspa - +62 361 771 791 ext. 105 or
Register in the Bali Gold and Country Club Pro Shop

Net charity proceeds dedicated to the Rotary Club Bali Nusa Dua.

Friday, June 11th, 2010: BHA Blood Drive 2010

Place: Breakout Room, Nikko Bali Resort and Spa
All BHA members of Nusa Dua and Jimbaran area are invited to join this program. Maximum participation is 20 participants for large hotels, 10 participants for small hotels.

For further information, please contact erawathi@nikkobali.com or by phone at +62 361 773377

Galungan Day, 12th May 2010

This day commemorates the victory of "Dharma" (virtue) upon "Adharma" (evil) according to the old history of Bali (Purana). Today the Hindus thank the God and feel grateful for His blessing and for the creation of the earth and its contents. This is day of rituals, festivities and celebrations with "Penjor" the artistically decorated bamboo-pole stuck at every house entrance, adorning both sides of the village-roads symbolizing prosperity.

Several processions need to be done to celebrate Galungan Day:

Kuningan Day, 22nd May 2010

The last day of Galungan celebrations is believed as the day the holy spirits and deities return back to heavens. On this day, special offerings consisted of yellow rice; temples look amazing with ornaments made of young coconut leaves and flowers.

ALL ABOUT EASTER

Which comes first…The Bunny or The Egg?

Easter (Greek: Πάσχα, Pascha) is the most important religious feast in the Christian liturgical year. Christians believe that Jesus was resurrected from the dead three days after his crucifixion, and celebrate this resurrection on Easter Day or Easter Sunday (also Resurrection Day or Resurrection Sunday), two days after Good Friday. The chronology of his death and resurrection is variously estimated between the years 26 and 36 A.D.

The egg is seen as symbolic of the grave and life renewed or resurrected by breaking out of it. The red supposedly symbolizes the blood of Christ redeeming the world and human redemption through the blood shed in the sacrifice of the crucifixion. The egg itself is a symbol of resurrection: while being dormant it contains a new life sealed within it.

While the origin of Easter eggs can be explained in the symbolic terms described above, a pious legend among followers of Eastern Christianity says that Mary Magdalene was bringing cooked eggs to share with the other women at the tomb of Jesus, and the eggs in her basket miraculously turned brilliant red when she saw the risen Christ.

The Easter Bunny is a mythical character depicted as an anthropomorphic rabbit. In legend, the creature brings baskets filled with colored eggs, candy and toys to the homes of children on the night before Easter. The Easter Bunny will either put the baskets in a designated place or hide them somewhere in the house for the children to find when they wake up in the morning. The Easter Bunny is very similar in trait to its Christmas holiday counterpart, Santa Claus, as they both bring gifts to good children on the night before their respective holiday. Its origin is disputed but the character was mentioned as early as 1600; some trace it to alleged pre-Christian fertility lore, others to the role of the hare in Christian iconography. (www.wikipedia.com).

NYEPI DAY (A DAY OF SILENCE)

On 16th March 2010, the island of Bali will celebrate Nyepi Day – a day of silence. It is New Year’s eve according to the Balinese calendar.

Nyepi Day is the day of self - introspection for Balinese Hindu followers. On Nyepi day, four mandatory religious prohibitions should be observed: no fire, no work, no entertainment or pleasure and no travels, by air, land or sea.  It is believed that the evil spirits summoned the night before, will be tricked into believing that Bali is barren of life and will leave the island.  This day, people will keep silent, meditate to purify their minds and souls and be by themselves.

The 24-hour observation of silence will be from 06:00 am on Tuesday, 16th March until 06:00 am on Wednesday, 17th March 2010.

For visitors or residents who do not celebrate Nyepi, this can be a special day of togetherness and family gathering. Guests at our resort need not worry about restrictions to stay indoors and off the beach.

Couples and parents can take this opportunity to just rest and relax around the lush landscape of the resort or perform work outs at the gym and fitness center equipped with sauna and steam room, or just relax and be pampered at the Mandara Spa. Even kids can enjoy themselves at the Jungle Camp and join kids program we have prepared to entertain them during Nyepi day.

TUMPEK LANDEP

When you are strolling around the streets in the tourist strip today or out in the countryside you will notice most motorbikes and cars adorned with the offerings and ornaments made from young coconut leaves. This is because in Bali today it is Tumpek Landep - devoted to Sang Hyang Pasupati, Lord of heirlooms, weapons and metal tools for proper function and magical power. Also today specific offerings are made in the home for kitchen implements, garden tools and metallic parts of machinery etc. it is also a day when builders generally take a day off work to make offerings for their work tools.The first Tumpek to take place every cycle is Tumpek Landep. This is on the Saturday of Landep, the second week of the Pawukon. This is also a day of offerings to weapons of war, particularly the sacred kris short swords, but also that of guns or other weapons.

If a family owns such a weapon, on Tumpek Landep it is reverently unsheathed in the family temple, sprinkled with holy water, and presented with offerings of woven coconut leaves, flowers, and fruits. A balian - a kind of shaman - offer prayers. The balian will know the proper mantras for the weapon.

PAGERWESI

Balinese Hindus celebrate Pagerwesi ceremony every six months based on Bali's calender system (210 days). Pagarwesi means "iron fence", and is a day to strengthen one's fortification against evil. The offerings to the Gods and ask for spiritual power to cope with hardship and misfortune. Offerings are made for the uncremated dead at the cemeteries.

This year the Pagerwesi ceremony falls on wednesday March 3rd.
The meaning of the word Pagerwesi comes from two Javanese words, pager (fence) and wesi (iron). Pagerwesi literally means the day of "iron fence". According to this belief, a person should protect themselves with a strong fortification against the forces of evil.

The Pagerwesi Day is believed to be a day upon which an ancient battle between good and evil is celebrated.

SARASWATI DAY – FEBRUARY 27, 2010

Saraswati in Bali. This is the special day of thanks for the gift of knowledge. The festive day is a time for making offerings to books and especially the sacred lontar palm leaf books.

All books are subjects on this day. One is not supposed to read books, however schools have special ceremonies. Notedly, Pura Jagatnatha in Denpasar will be jam packed with students praying for success in their studies in the early morning ceremony.

Saraswati Day is celebrated at the very last day of the Balinese Pawukon calendar, being the Saturday of its last week, Watugunung. Dewi Saraswati is generally referred to as Goddess of 'Science & Knowledge'. She is the female counter-part of the Balinese god Dewa Brahma, the manifestation of the Almighty Infinite Spirit as the Creator.

The Spiritual Symbolism of Saraswati

The materialistic world views that dominate the modern world we live in, have caused considerable mis-interpretations of the religious symbols found in Balinese Hinduism. The main reason for this is a general loss of the ability to think in ‘parallels’, to communicate in symbols and analogies. Instead, modern man tends to interprete most religious symbols literally.

Nowadays the Knowledge/Science symbolized by Saraswati is generally interpreted as pure secular, scientific knowledge; at libraries offerings are made for books and other important written materials, such as the lontar; books and (written) language are seen as the vessels of secular, scientific knowledge. At the schools and universities the students pray for success with their studies. During Saraswati Day it is not allowed to read, which can be compared with our ‘one minute silence’, in honor of the ‘gift’ of books and language which enables mankind to pass on the scientific knowledge that leads to secular success.

In itself these ‘modern’ interpretations do no harm as far as the importance of secular, scientific knowledge for the education and development of the worldy carreer of the individual is concerned.

CHINESE NEW YEAR – FEBRUARY 14, 2010

Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is sometimes called the "Lunar New Year" by English speakers. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year's Eve is known as chú xī. It literally means "Year-pass Eve".

Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Lunar Calendar. The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Ancient Chinese New Year is a reflection on how the people behaved and what they believed in the most.

ST. VALENTINE’S DAY – FEBRUARY 14, 2010

Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day is an annual holiday held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The holiday is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The holiday first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards, and Valentine's Day has become the second-largest greeting card-sending holiday in the United States, behind only Christmas.

The sending of Valentines was a fashion in nineteenth-century Great Britain, and, in 1847, Esther Howland developed a successful business in her Worcester, Massachusetts home with hand-made Valentine cards based on British models. The popularity of Valentine cards in 19th century America, where many Valentine cards are now general greeting cards rather than declarations of love, was a harbinger of the future commercialization of holidays in the United States. It's considered one of the Hallmark holidays.

TUMPEK WAYANG – FEBRUARY 6, 2010

On February 6th, Bali will celebrate the Tumpek Wayang day. Also known as Tumpek Ringgit, it is a Kajeng Kaliwon and is of particular importance. Some areas of Bali use this day to make offerings to musical instruments and dance equipment.

This day is also important for the shadow puppets, Wayang Kulit. Many families have inherited puppets from an ancestor who performed them, a dalang. All dalangs have full sets of puppets. The puppets are taken from the box, placed in a position just as if an actual performance were being given and blessed by the owner.

TUMPEK WAYANG – FEBRUARY 6, 2010

On February 6th, Bali will celebrate the Tumpek Wayang day. Also known as Tumpek Ringgit, it is a Kajeng Kaliwon and is of particular importance. Some areas of Bali use this day to make offerings to musical instruments and dance equipment.

This day is also important for the shadow puppets, Wayang Kulit. Many families have inherited puppets from an ancestor who performed them, a dalang. All dalangs have full sets of puppets. The puppets are taken from the box, placed in a position just as if an actual performance were being given and blessed by the owner.

BALI BALI BALI: Healing Through Theatre: COME AND SUBMERGE YOURSELF IN A TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCE AT PURNATI ARTS CENTRE, UBUD.

Courtessy of Tembi Contemporary Gallery - Jogjakarta

January 3-January 18, 2010

Learn Balinese dance, work with Mask, have the opportunity to have your own masks made by world leading mask makers, you will see astonishing performances and live together in paradise.

From 7am through till evening, followed by dinner and performance.

Master teacher Per Brahe will be working with you using his ever expanding collection of masks, helping you explore archetypes and sub personalities; providing you tools to create unique and energetic work.  As a result of his work, you will have a deeper understanding of how you work both in  group and solo,  and the tools to create innovative work.

Margi Brown Ash, a psychotherapist and theatre maker,  will be helping you consolidate the transformational processes that Per will share,  as well as providing opportunities to consider what you want to achieve in 2010;  how to stay in the creative flow despite the pressures of every day life, and how to stay healthy in an industry that is highly demanding and competitive.