Mekare-kare, also known as Mageret Pandan, is a distinctive Balinese ritual tradition unique to the village of Tenganan. Central to this practice is a ceremonial combat where young men engage in duels, wielding clubs fashioned from thorny pandan leaves and defending with rattan shields. This intricate ritual serves as an homage to Indra, the revered Hindu god of war.
Tumpek Kandang is a day set aside for the distinct honouring of domestic animals. Across Bali, as Balinese Hindus observe this significant day – a ceremony dedicated to Bhatara Rare Angon, revered as the master of all cattle and livestock – household creatures will receive special recognition. These rituals are traditionally conducted at every farm and within family compounds. The very name, Tumpek Kandang, finds its origins in two Balinese words: "Tumpek," signifying a peak or culmination, and "Kandang," which denotes an enclosure or cage.
Marking the culmination of the significant six Tumpek cycle, Tumpek Wayang holds a particularly sacred status amongst these observances. This day is especially dedicated to Wayang Kulit – the intricate shadow puppets of Bali – with the island's puppeteers using Tumpek Wayang as an occasion to honour Lord Iswara. Tradition dictates that should a child be born during Wayang week, the Balinese Wuku week in which Tumpek Wayang falls, a specific protective ritual, known as Nyapuh Leger, must be performed. This ceremony involves a special sacred puppet performance called Sapuh Leger, followed by the collection of holy water obtained by washing the puppet's base handle. It is also believed by some that the atmosphere during this week can be sensitive, leading them to exercise caution and refrain from undertaking long journeys.
The Balinese concept of lulut, meaning to symbolise both love and joy, gives rise to the festival of Krulut. Central to their worldview is the notion that art isn't simply restricted to paintings or graceful dances; rather, it resides in anything capable of evoking pleasure. Tumpek Krulut, also known as Odalan Gong, beautifully encapsulates this understanding through a collective appreciation for music.
Consequently, this special occasion sees instruments, notably the sonorous gamelan orchestra, being blessed and honoured for their vital role in prayer, acts of worship, and the general enrichment of life.
Galungan and Kuningan constitute a ten-day Balinese Hindu celebration occurring every 210 days as dictated by the Saka calendar. During this auspicious time, it is believed that the heavens open, allowing Ida Sang Hyang Widi and the pantheon of gods to visit the world of mortals. To honour these divine visitors, elaborate rituals are performed, feasts are prepared, and intricate offerings adorn homes and temples, signifying devotion and celebration of their arrival.
From travel stories, travel guides and hotel vignettes to postcards, drawings, menus, brochures, posters and photos. The collections of Leiden University Libraries (UBL) hold many sources that provide insight into the development of tourism in the Dutch East Indies, present-day Indonesia, from 1870 to 1945. This online exhibition highlights the various aspects of tourism in ‘the East’, from experiences of tourists and people in the tourism industry to attractions and stereotypes.
MI-RENG convenes leading voices in the field—including Dewa Alit, Made Kartawan, Janu Janardhana, Septian Dwicahyo, and Arif B. Prasetyo—to inspire fresh perspectives on gamelan. The sessions navigate a spectrum of concepts, from foundational tuning principles to cutting-edge composition, while also plunging into the depths of sound and creativity in collaboration with accomplished artists, musicologists, and cultural experts.
Established in 2007, the annual Bali International Film Festival, widely known as Balinale, has earned international acclaim. Its reputation is built on a diverse and compelling program featuring independent fiction, documentaries, features, and short films that bring powerful stories from Indonesia and across the globe to the screen.
Beyond its cinematic showcase, Balinale distinguishes itself through dynamic professional forums that foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among filmmakers.
Jia CURATED will return to Bali Festival Park from 14 to 18 August 2025. This year’s event will feature an expanded space, twice the size of previous editions, extended days, and will introduce new programmes spotlighting evolving trends in craft, design, and culture.
Ubud Open Studios is the biggest and most diverse annual celebration of contemporary artists in Ubud. This year's hub and showcases will be at Biasa Artspace and Nonfrasa Gallery.
