Balinese “Galungan” ceremony in Caribbean
August 19, 2008Galungan Day is back! It is another big celebration for me and all of Balinese. Galungan is a celebration of the winning of Dharma (good) over Adharma (evil) which we celebrate every 6 months or 210 days according to Balinese calendar. On this day, we offer thanks to God and ask forgiveness for any sins we have committed in the past and also pray for spiritual peace. The most significant sign in Bali, you will find a long bamboo pole, called Penjor decorated the entrance of Balinese family compound. It is a very festive atmosphere in the most of street in Bali.
Today, all of Balinese staff including myself is celebrating Galungan here at Parrot Cay. We’ve been started the preparation from couples days ago. All off Balinese women are busy in preparing offering which is made from young coconut leaves, flowers & fruits. While the man has to provide all the material for the offering and also cooking special Galungan dishes, such as ‘lawar’ (delicate combinations of various vegetables, herbs, spices) and ‘sate’( skewers) and ‘Jukut Ares’ (banana trunk vegetable soup). Everybody is taking apart with a high enthusiasm.
All preparation ready, it is times to change our clothes with our Balinese traditional costumes.
Women are wearing long sleeve shirt named ‘kebaya’ with ’sarong’ as a skirt while men are wearing white shirt, sarong as a pant and ‘udeng’ on the head. See pictures below, isn’t it cute?
We wait until everybody back from work. We are all gathering in Shambhala Lake. Offering place on the altar or shrine and incense is lightening up. Seems Balinese festive atmosphere travels to Caribbean.:)
We start with singing Religious song called “Warga Sari” and followed by Puja or “Tri Sandya” Everybody are chanting Om, Om,Om…feeling so peaceful… Wishing God bless us and forgive our sin.
At last, we are asking for forgiveness to each other and then enjoying Balinese cuisine at staff hang out village at ‘cengblonk’. A non-Hindu are also invited to come enjoying our special Galungan dishes. My mind, soul and spirits fly back to Bali…feel like home to me…
Happy Galungan Day to all Balinese…
wherever you are
