MY BALI STORY

Balinese Religion

The beautiful island of Bali is known for having a colourful spiritual culture. On this island the predominant religion is the Balinese Hinduism. In many temples the Balinese Hindus communicate with their God Sanghyang Widi. The principle gods are Brahma, the god of creation, Wisnu, the provider, and Siwa, the god of dissolution. Every 210 days the Balinese people celebrate Galungan and Kuningan. The week of this event, when the people go to their temple to present offerings is called Dunggulan. The meaning of the Galungan is the celebration of Darma against Adarma.

Ceremony at Besakih,
the biggest temple on Bali
 

On this island, we also celebrate Balinese New Year, but this is not like New Year in western countries. It is called Hari Raya Nyepi and starts already at sunrise. Don't expect to be able to do anything at this day. No one works, everyone has to stay at home and neither cars nor people are on the roads. At night no lights are allowed. So the island seems empty to passing demons, which won't stop. The day before Nyepi, all villages have held large exorcist ceremonies at the main village crossroad, the meeting place of the demons. At that night all demons of the Balinese world were let loose on the roads in a carnival of fantastic monsters, called Ogoh-Ogoh.
 

Women on their way to a temple festival
 

you also may have a look at: Fine Art Painting: Bali's Religion in paintings by a German Art Artist