Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Bali Festivals

By Eddie Tobey

Bali has myriad festivals, rituals, and events. Balinese culture has great meaning behind all its festivals. Some festivals in Bali are dedicated to certain gods, including those who symbolize knowledge, virtue, or birth.

Harvest festivals, fasting and retreat festivals, blood sacrifices, and temple festivals are all part and parcel of Bali festivals. Festivals that signify the anniversary of a temple's founding called Odalan are quite famous. Nyepi festival marks the beginning of a new lunar year and on this day, everyone in Bali, including tourists, must remain silent. It is believed that any evil spirits would pass away thinking that the place is uninhabited due to the complete stillness.

The most important Bali festival is Galungan, which symbolizes the victory of virtue over evil. Balinese call it the victory of Dharma over Adharma. It is considered essential that the Balinese visit all their family temples on this day. A local holiday is declared on this day and every family is supposed to plant a bamboo pole decorated meticulously with coconut leaves and flowers.

Pagarwesi, another famous festival in Bali, is devoted to the lord of the universe, Sanghyang Pramesti Guru. The name literally means iron fence and Balinese people pray to this god for strong mental defense.

Festivals in Bali are eventful and colorful and the list includes Kuningan, when ceremonies are held for Balinese ancestors. This festival brings the New Year holiday period to a close.

There are festivals and ceremonies in Bali that are dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati. Lots of ceremonies are also held to honor Holy Scriptures, science, literature, and arts.

Tumpek landep, a festival of weapons and tools made of metal for proper use and function is celebrated in every Balinese family compound. The rice harvest festival is one among the several popular festivals in Balinese culture. Tribute is paid to the rice god Dewi Sri, by placing small straw rice-god dolls in fields and villages. You can always check out the online resources and the significant number of books available to get to know about Balinese culture and festivals.

Bali provides detailed information on Bali, Bali Vacations, Bali Culture, Bali Real Estate and more. Bali is affiliated with Bangkok Airfare.

Bali Culture

By Eddie Tobey

image Bali is an Indonesian island that is rich in indigenous culture. A lot pf people say that Bali culture is unique and that the people of Bali have always been contented with the now. If you ask a Balinese person what heaven is like, the probable answer will be just like Bali. This only goes to show that most Balinese people are happy to be where they are and never worry.

One factor that contributes to this laidback lifestyle is the culture of close family ties in Bali. In the Balinese culture, support is always available. Balinese extended families are so tightly knit that all members usually reside in the same complex.

Hinduism is one of the main religions in Bali. The Bali culture is based on a form of this religion, which is called Hindu Darma. This religion reached the island during the eleventh century. Most of the family customs and traditions as well as community lifestyles of the Balinese people are influenced by this. The religious influence even expands widely into the arts, which makes Bali distinct from the rest of Indonesia.

In spite of the influx of tourists to the island, Balinese people have managed to preserve their culture. Almost every native of Bali is an artist in some form or another. Parents and villagers have passed on their skills to their children, who all seem to have inclinations either to music, dance, painting, and decor.

Another remarkable mark of the Bali culture is the series of ceremonies and rituals known as the Manusa Yadnya. This marks the different stages of Balinese life. Cremation is very popular on this island  and unlike in the West, death is a joyous and colorful event for the Balinese.

Indeed, Bali has a rich culture, making it distinctive from the rest of the islands in Indonesia.

Bali provides detailed information on Bali, Bali Vacations, Bali Culture, Bali Real Estate and more. Bali is affiliated with Bangkok Airfare.

Bali Hotels - Complete Comfort in Indonesian Island

By Mahendrasingh Singh

image Bali is the ideal place of visit for you, if you are looking for rejuvenation, discovery and fun filled activities. This picturesque land of Bali, with its resplendent beaches, long stretch of coastline, lush green forests and majestic volcanoes just make for a picture perfect place. Bali has still preserved its rituals and customs evident in the ceremonies, cultural programs and festivals. Bali hotels are abundant to accommodate large number of business as well as the leisure travelers planning to spend their days in this Indonesian Island.

Accommodation

At the island of Bali, you would come across luxury hotels, five star hotels, mid - range hotels and budget hotels. Each of the Bali hotels varies from one another in their style, design, amenities and facilities. So choose a hotel in Bali which satisfies your modern tastes and preferences.

The five star hotels of Bali that are mostly opted are the Ritz Carlton, Oberoi, Grand Hyatt, Aston Bali Resort & Spa and Karishma Villa. As you step inside these hotels, you will be greeted to a world of luxury and elegance. The large and spacious cozy rooms would help to relax and unwind and ensures you a gala stay. A host of amenities and services are offered by these hotels to meet the expectations of the business as well as leisure travelers. These hotels also offer a wide range of recreational activities as well. The onsite restaurants serve global cuisines that are a feast to the eye and the palate.

There is no dearth of entertainment at this island as cinema complexes, shopping centers, nightclubs and bars are spread also across the place. You can also try out the thrilling water sports. A stay at Bali would definitely be an out of the world experience.

Some of the well known mid-range Bali hotels are Kutu Seaview Hotel, Green Garden Beach Resort & Spa, La Taverna Hotel and the Barong Kuta Hotel. The mid-range hotels offer comfortable lodging options. The amenities and services offered by these Indonesian hotels cater to your individual needs. Most of these mid range hotels feature on site restaurants serving tasty regional as well as International delicacies.

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