Bali Local Custom Tips by paragianna75

gebogan offerings

When I was in Ubud I saw these particular offerings that called ''Gebogan''.They consist of fruits, flowers and rice cakes.Balinese people make them during ''odalan'' festivals.

The acts of Kecak dance

The 5 acts of Kecak dance

act1: While wandering in the forest of Dandaka during the exile of Rama, Sita sees a beautiful golden deer dancing in front of her and she asks her husband to catch it for her.Rama, fearful of what may befall Sita if left alone in the dangerous forest, leaves Sita in the protection of his brother Laksamana.Shortly after Rama's departure a cry for help echoes around the forest.Fearful for her husbands safety Sita sends Laksamana to his aid leaving herself unprotected and alone.

act2: A sudden storm envelops the forest and Sita becomes fearful.Rhawana appears behind her but she is protected by a magic circle and his attempt to seize her fails.He disappears only to come back disguised as a poor old man seeking shelter and water.Sita falls in Rhawana's trick and he kidnaps her.While taking Sita to his palace of Alengka Rhawana, he is attacked on the way back by his mortal enemy , Garuda-Long.

act3: On his search for Sita Rama meets Sugriwa the red monkey King who will help him to find his wife.Together they select a scout to find Alengka and locate Sita.Hanoman, a white monkey with magical powers is chosen and Rama provides him with a ring to give to Sita as a token of his love and has proof of Hanoman being his envoy.

act4: Hanoman locates Alengka and enlists the help of Trijata to meet with Sita who is about to take her own life in despair.Hanoman shows Sita the ring and tells her husbands impending rescue attempt.Hanoman then attempts to destroy part of the palace and he is caught by the giants that want to burn him to death.He escapes causing a disaster around the city.

act5:Rama is guided to Alengka where the monkey army defeats the army of giants.Rama meets with Rhawana in a face to face battle and defeats him.He is then reunited with Sita.

the text is from the brochure I got before the Kecak dance starts.

Kecek Dance

Most of people say that if a visitor should see a traditional balinese dance then Kecek dance is the best.The performance is taking place in a theater with a choir of chanting and singing men.The costumes of the actors that appear later are colourful and impressive.The music is only mens voices singing kecek, kecek, kecek.Try to watch this performance in a temple after the sunset, its pure magic! (I did that in Uluwatu temple)

kites

Balinese people are crazy about kites!The sky was full of them starting from early morning, crazy...My guide told me that they have very often kite competitions between balinese and japanese people.