The Best Festivals of Bali
Bali is dubbed the Land of Gods, and its practices and culture reflect that very well. People are driven by their religious beliefs and Balinese mythology, not only in their daily lives but also through various festivals that happen on a regular basis.
These festivals in Bali are rooted deeply in Balinese stories and mythologies. The island of Bali has been predominantly Hindu since its Aryan colonization. However, many religious practices and even day-to-day practices in Bali stem from pagan beliefs that have been a part of the culture ever since. The ultimate desire of the people of Bali is to use the energy from these religious practices to get better as humans and professionals in their work lives.
Festivals of Bali
The native calendar followed by the people of Bali is lunar-based, unlike the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, the cycle repeats more frequently, and festivals are celebrated more often. On an average basis, a Balinese New Year occurs twice in an average year. Two of the essential festivals of Bali are listed below.
Odalan
Odalan is a celebratory occasion that almost always happens somewhere in Bali. The odalan celebrations mark the anniversary of the founding of the local village temple. People in and around the village gather at the temple; in fact, every single resident is expected to arrive during the days of the odalan celebrations.
The odalan of a small temple might last 1-3 days on average. However, the odalan of the most prominent temples in Bali can last even up to a month. During this time, people wore traditional Balinese attire, which could be either white or golden. The ceremony begins with an opening ritual, which allows the god or deity associated with the temple to descend from heaven and sit in the temple. Traditional songs and dances are performed at the temple premises, and gamelan sessions are carried out. Food offerings are also served to the idols of gods and then passed on to the visitors as they are deemed blessed after that.
Since there are so many temples in Bali, an odalan is always happening, and it makes for a very intimate experience with Balinese culture for tourists coming from abroad. If you are looking to acquaint yourself with the beliefs and culture of Bali, then visiting an odalan should definitely be on your itinerary.
Tumpek Landep
Tumpek Landep is a religious rite in Bali that is used to bless metal objects, like weapons, utensils, vehicles, and other metal objects of daily use. It is believed that this ensures these objects are utilized to the maximum extent and for the best purposes, i.e., the advancement of the Balinese civilization. Traditionally, people give offerings of food and other items to their cars, kitchen utensils, weapons, etc.
There is an alternate meaning to this practice as well. It is believed that the mind is a weapon for everyone, and people need to sharpen it and have it blessed to utilize it for the best purposes, i.e., for scientific advancement and the progress of civilization.
Why are festivals in Bali relevant to tourism?
Bali is an international tourist hotspot for two reasons: its immense natural beauty and its extensive and deeply rooted culture. The festivals provide the most in-depth insight into Bali’s culture, and the celebratory vibes surrounding these festivals make them enjoyable experiences for tourists.
If you are interested in rich and meaningful culture and mythology, then Bali is an ideal tourist destination. Today, it is super easy to book Bali packages and make your holiday convenient and complete. After arriving in Bali, you can either watch these festivals from your hotel balcony or get on the street and experience the original and complete Bali feel.
