Piodalan
Piodalan in Bali is a celebration of the anniversary of a Hindu Balinese temple. The piodalan is usually celebrated according to the Balinese calendar, which is a unique system that combines elements of the Hindu lunar calendar with traditional Balinese beliefs.
During the piodalan, the temple is adorned with decorations, offerings are made to the deities, and various ceremonies and rituals are performed. The festival is typically accompanied by traditional Balinese music and dance performances, as well as processions and parades.
It is an important event for Balinese Hindus to reaffirm the faith and community connections, and it offers visitors a chance to experience the rich cultural heritage of Bali and witness the unique traditions and customs of the Balinese people.
Purnama & Tilem
Purnama and Tilem are two important days in the Balinese Hindu lunar calendar.
Purnama, also known as full moon day, is a time of celebration and is considered an auspicious day in Bali. It is believed that the gods descend to Earth during Purnama, so offerings and prayers are made to honor them. Many temples hold special ceremonies and processions on Purnama, and it is also a time for Balinese people to gather with family and friends.
Tilem, on the other hand, is the opposite of Purnama and refers to the new moon. Tilem is considered a time of introspection and purification. It is believed that negative energy is at its peak during Tilem, so people perform special rituals to cleanse themselves and their surroundings. Some Balinese people observe Tilem by fasting and meditating, while others make offerings and perform ceremonies.
Ngaben
Ngaben, also known as Pitra Yadnya or Pelebon, is a Balinese Hindu cremation ceremony. It is an important ritual in Bali that is performed to release the soul of the deceased from the physical body and guide it towards the afterlife.
The word “Ngaben” comes from the Balinese language, where “ngab” means “to carry” and “en” means “to put down.” During the Ngaben ceremony, the body of the deceased is carried in a procession to the cremation site, where it is put down and cremated.
The Ngaben ceremony is a complex and elaborate event that involves various preparations, rituals, and offerings. It is believed that the ceremony helps to release the soul from the physical body and enable it to move on to the afterlife, thereby preventing it from being trapped in the physical world.
The ceremony also serves as a way for the community to show respect for the deceased and offer support to the family members who are grieving.
