Bali is referred to as the Island of the Gods because the Balinese people pay such attention to their Agama Hindu religion. With impressive temples such as Pura Besakih and Pura Ulun Danu Batur, tourists have a great opportunity to visit a pura (Balinese temple) to learn about the history and architecture. Temples really come alive though during an upacara (ceremony). Local temple ceremonies can be some of the best to see as it is unlikely other tourists will be around and the whole scene is generally quite relaxed.
Community-wide temple ceremonies such as the odalan, the anniversary of a particular temple can be seen all over Bali year round. When one is driving along a main road one will often pass a line of Balinese women gracefully balancing banten, (towers of fruit, attached to a central banana tree trunk) or a marching procession complete with gongs and kettle drums.
Here is a list of temple ceremonies happening in Bali in the month of December 2007.
• 4 Dec Penataran Tangkas-Sukawati Temple , Dalem Lagan Bebalang temple in Bangli and Puseh Lembeng Temple at Ketewel Sukawati, Gianyar regency
• 5 Dec Pasek Tangkas Pasekan Kaler Temple in Tabanan, Gaduh Benoh Temple in Ubung Denpasar
• 9 Dec Dalem Alas Harum Temple at Banjar Tegal Kepuh , Kaba-Kaba, Kediri Tabanan
• 10 Dec Puseh/Balai Agung Ubung Temple at Kupang Penebel Tabanan, Kawitan Sakula Gotra Pasung grigi Temple at Tegal Kepuh, Kaba-kaba Kediri Tabanan
• 12 Dec Catur Buana-Sanding Temple at Tampak Siring Gianyar
• 13 Dec Peninjoan Temple at Besakih
• 19 Dec Pasek Gelgel Temple at Kukuh Marga, Pasek Gelgel Temple at Dukuh Selemadeg and Pasek Gelgel Temple at Mambang
• 24 Dec Ngusaba Ngaed at Benua Temple in Besakih, Dalem Temple at Cemenggaon countryside in Sukawati, Gunungrene Temple at Sidemen Karangasem
• 29 Dec Puseh Temple and Desa temple at Batuan Sukawati, Manik Mas temple at Besakih
You might make a note of these and experience a temple ceremony for yourself. There is no admission, except for Besakih. Remember to bring a sarong and sash if you intend to enter the temple. Some temples allow outsiders into the temple during ceremonies, for example Goa Lawah near Candi Dasa will do this. Others will not so you have to be aware and respectful. Still there is plenty of action outside, with people arriving with family members, food and drinks sellers and good vibes all round. It can be quite pleasant to sit across the street from a village temple under a tree and enjoy a cold drink and some spicy hot sate babi (pork satay…5,000rp for 10 sticks).
