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In Bali, the pantheon of Hindu deities, ancestors, gods and demons is bewildering. What’s more, they must constantly be appeased, hence the never-ending cycle of ceremonies that make the island so unique and fascinating. As guests on this mystical island, it was only right that we carried out the appropriate ceremonies to ensure continued good karma.
After three weeks of intensive preparation by Karma Bali’s predominantly Hindu staff, the entire team gathered on October 3rd to undertake an important series of ceremonies designed to give thanks, to clear any negative energy and to maintain the balance between human, God and nature through sacrifice. The three ceremonies that took place were Ngeruak (to acknowledge the change in function of the land to resort use), Nyakap Karang (to synchronise and synergise the auras of each of the individual land plots); Mendem Pedagingan (to bring life to all the temples around the resorts) and the two most important, Mecaru (to create balance between humans and nature) and Melaspas (to purify and give thanks to God).
Each ceremony requires a complex sequence of activities and the provision of both offerings and sacrifices. Both Pedanda (High Priest) and Pemangku (village priest) presided over the ceremonies and the resort was abundantly decorated with traditional offerings using everything from bamboo to banana leaf to pork fat - penjur, umbul-umbul, tamiang, pakupipid, taring. There were performances by masked dancers (Topeng Sidakarya) and, elaborately dressed young girls (Rejang Dewa). In addition, there were ritual sacrifices of chickens and ducks, as well as cockfights – all essential elements in the proper performance of such ceremonies.
All of which we believe will only enhance the whole Karma experience for our guests and staff.
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