Galungan Day Ceremony
This day celebrates the victory of the Balinese over the wicked Giant King Mayadenawa and a return of the Balinese to a religious way of life. In celebration of Galungan, decorated bamboo poles (penjors) are erected outside every door way, signifying prosperity, and numerous offerings are made in shrines and at temples of note is Uluwatu temple.
Kuningan Day Ceremony
The last day of the Galungan celebrations. Ceremonies are performed commemorating the spirits of the hero ancestors that died in battle. Offerings of yellow rice play a significant role on this day.
Full Moon Ceremony
Full moon ceremoniesare held at all temples. This day is also spent preparing offerings, decorations and food for the upcoming Galungan celebrations.
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Gen.Teuku Asikin Husein is Bali’s New Chief of Police
General Asikin Brings Extensive Criminal and Intelligence Work to His Job as Bali’s Top Cop.
(5/18/2008) 57 year-old Inspector General Teuku Asikin Husein was formally installed as Bali’s Chief of Police on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, replacing General Paulus Purwoko who has been rotated to the role of Vice-Deputy of the Criminal Investigation Division at National police Headquarters.
General Asikin is Bali’s 31st Chief of Police, coming to the post after a distinguished career that commenced in 1971 when he entered the National Police Academy. He has served in a variety of roles with the Indonesian police force, including an assignment with U.N. police forces in Bosnia and an assignment in Aceh, North Sumatra. Domestic assignments for Asikin have included jobs in Aceh, Sulawesi and Java. He has served in senior roles in the Police Intelligence Unit and, most recently, as Governor of the National Police Academy.
At the induction ceremony presided over by National Police Chief Susanto, outgoing Bali Police Chief Purwoko said he had every confidence in his successor, based on his extensive background in criminal and intelligence police work. Purwoko also said he was honored to serve the people of Bali during a two year period marked by peace, security and the successful hosting of the international Climate Change Summit in December 2007.
Go Fly a Kite in Bali
Bali Kite Festival July 10-13, 2008.
The annual tradition of the Bali Kite Festival will return to the beaches of Sanur at Padang Galak July 10-13, 2008, where the ecvent is expected to draw some 800 teams competing for honor. As in the past, large teams of young men from local villages across Bali - all dressed in traditional Balinese costumes, will launch kites so large and elaborate that two lanes of traffic are sometimes blocked when transporting the kites to and from the competition grounds.
Considered a major event on the international kiting calendar, teams from a number of countries, including Malaysia, Japan, German and India - are expected to travel to Bali.
All participants are required to attend a mandatory briefing on July 6th during which rules and guidelines will be distributed to all teams. A very Balinese affair, teams are required to wear traditional dress while competing in the Festival.
BALI ART FESTIVAL
14 June - 12 July 2008
at : Denpasar
Just 10km from the popular Kuta beach area, thousands come to see the most accomplished musicians and dancers perform at Denpasar’s, if not Indonesia’s, cultural event of the year - Pesta Kesenian Bali, the Bali Arts Festival.The spectacular opening procession usually features seven types of complex and vibrant Balinese music ensembles, dance, traditional costume, floats and giant ogoh-ogoh dolls.
The entertainment on offer during the month includes traditional and modern music, dance and theatre from both the islands and further afield, puppet shows, more parades and various competitions (food, flowers, coconuts…).
A full programme is available on the Bali Paradise website near the time of the festival and most events are held at the Denspasar Arts Centre