A penjor is basically a long tapered bamboo pole that is stood vertically in the ground, often on the roadside, and decorated in coconut leaves. Due to their length of sometimes more than ten metres, they droop charmingly over the pavement like an ancient street lamp.
At Galungan time, Balinese Hindus erect a penjor in front of their houses to symbolise the dominance of good (dharma) over evil (adharma), as well as offering thanks to God for the fruits of the Earth. About halfway down the pole they attach a small cage in the shape of a triangle and made from bamboo, called sanggah cucuk. Offerings are placed in this and it is considered to be a temporary “throne” for the Gods when they come down to Earth for Galungan. If you take a close look at a Galungan penjor, you’ll notice that it’s also ornamented with coconut leaves called sampian and also long strips of white and yellow material to symbolise that it is a holy offering.
Due to their innate beauty, these days penjors not only serve a religious function. They also feature at weddings, art performances, hotels, and at any occasion where there are guests of honour.
Penjors are not only found in Bali but also in other parts of Indonesia where they are employed in a secular manner, particularly for hotel functions.
Interestingly enough, even some of the streetlights in Bali are modelled on the tall, slender shape of these traditional poles. The best way to tell the function of a penjor is to check what decorations or offerings it has attached to it.
Jan 24, 2008
Jan 18, 2008
Penampahan Galungan
Hari Raya Penampahan Galungan,
During the day of Penampahan Galungan animals are sacrificed (in particular pigs and chickens) as special offerings which are meant to get rid of negativity in both the bhuana agung (the environment of the individual human being) and the bhuana alit (the inner world of the individual human being); the meat is afterwards prepared and cooked for traditional Balinese dishes such as lawar, babi guling, and satay.
Especially the Balinese children are looking forward to Penampahan Galungan as it is a typical family party day with lots of delicious dishes. The adults however are extremely busy during this day with the final preparations of the Galungan offerings.
At Penampahan Galungan the Kala-tiganing Galungan or Sang Kala Tiga in the shape of Sang Bhuta Amangkurat descends for the third and last time to earth to tempt mankind to adharma.
Ethymology, Penampahan is derived from the Balinese word tampah which means '(to) kill, slaughter'.
Spiritual symbolism of Penampahan Galungan
The killing of animals in this respect is symbolic for killing 'the animal inside yourself' - the victory of the higher self over the ego in their struggle for control of the inner power of the individual; implicity this symbolizes the victory of dharma over adharma.
Jan 17, 2008
Galunggan day for balinese people
Occurring once in every 210 days in the Balinese cycle of days, Galungan marks the beginning of the most important recurring religious ceremony that is celebrated by all Balinese at the same time. During the Galungan period the deified ancestors of the family descend to their former homes. They must be suitably entertained and welcomed, and prayers and offerings must be made for them. Those families who have ancestors that have not yet been cremated, but are still buried in the village cemetery, must make offerings at the graves.
Although Galungan falls on a Wednesday, most Balinese will begin their Galungan 'holiday' the day before, where the family is seen to be busily preparing offerings and cooking for the next day. While the women of the household have been busy for days before creating beautifully woven 'banten' (offerings made from young coconut fronds), the men of our village usually wake up well before dawn to join with their neighbours to slaughter a pig unlucky enough to be chosen to help celebrate this occasion. Then the finely diced pork is mashed to a pulp with a grinding stone, and moulded onto sate sticks that have been already prepared by whittling small sticks of bamboo. Chickens may also be chosen from the collection of free-range chickens that roam around the house compound. Delicate combinations of various vegetables, herbs and spices are also prepared by the men to make up a selection of 'lawar' dishes. While much of this cooking is for use in the offerings to be made at the family temple, by mid-morning, once all the cooking is done, it is time for the first of a series of satisfying feasts from what has been prepared. While the women continue to be kept busy with the preparations of the many offerings to be made at the family temple on the day of Galungan, the men also have another job to do this day, once the cooking is finished. A long bamboo pole, or 'penjor', is made to decorate the entrance to the family compound. By late Tuesday afternoon all over Bali the visitor can see these decorative poles creating a very festive atmosphere in the street.
On Wednesday, the day of Galungan, one will find that most Balinese will try to return to their own ancestral home at some stage during the day, even if they work in another part of the island. This is a very special day for families, where offerings are made to God and to the family ancestors who have come back to rest at this time in their family temple. As well as the family temple, visits are made to the village temple with offerings as well, and to the homes of other families who may have helped the family in some way over the past six months.
The day after Galungan is a time for a holiday, visiting friends, maybe taking the opportunity to head for the mountains for a picnic. Everyone is still seen to be in their 'Sunday best' as they take to the streets to enjoy the festive spirit that Galungan brings to Bali.
Galungan in 2008 will be occur at January 23rd 2008 and the Kuningan 10 days after is at February 2nd 2008.
Jan 16, 2008
Shopping in Bali - Tegalalang
Home to woodcarvers, this village and nearby villages specialize in the carving of soft wood figures. Brightly painted flowers, frogs, fruits, animal figures can be found in abundance.
Tegalalang is village located on the north-south road from Kintamani and Ubud. Driving along this stretch you will have no doubt you are in Tegalalang because of the abundance in wooden carvings that are displayed along the road. Development in Tegalalang is another example of ribbon development, the expansion of a village along the main road but usually only 1 shop deep. Central Tegalalang has Bali-baroque style shops whereas the buildings on the northern and southern edges of town are simple adobe mud-brick family compounds with family temples. The village of Tegalalang specializes in pumping out carved fish, birds, trees and other designs that are painted in bright colors. These are designed for the tourist market, not really the antique or quality market. A visitor might also check out the selection of wall-panels, furniture, antique-style doors and topeng masks.
Tegalalang is village located on the north-south road from Kintamani and Ubud. Driving along this stretch you will have no doubt you are in Tegalalang because of the abundance in wooden carvings that are displayed along the road. Development in Tegalalang is another example of ribbon development, the expansion of a village along the main road but usually only 1 shop deep. Central Tegalalang has Bali-baroque style shops whereas the buildings on the northern and southern edges of town are simple adobe mud-brick family compounds with family temples. The village of Tegalalang specializes in pumping out carved fish, birds, trees and other designs that are painted in bright colors. These are designed for the tourist market, not really the antique or quality market. A visitor might also check out the selection of wall-panels, furniture, antique-style doors and topeng masks.
Jan 13, 2008
Tours and Sightseeing Gianyar Regency
Puri Lukisan - Gallery
The Museum Lukisan Ratna Warta, usually called the Puri Lukisan (the palace of paintings) was opened in 1953. Set amongst a restful sculpture garden, this museum contains a magnificent collection of modern Balinese paintings and sculptures, chosen under the discerning eye of the Dutch artist, Rudolf Bonnet (1895-1978), over the years since has first arrived in Bali.
Celuk
Balinese jewellery is unique, and Celuk is the home of much of it. Nearly every family in Celuk is involved in some aspect of the delicate gold and silver work, which has become very famous over the years.
Mas Village
That is a village specializing in woodcarving of any kind most of the prominent woodcarvers of Bali dwell in Mas village, producing elaborate and find woodcarvings and this is where they teach the young generation to carver by imitating the master carvers.
Batubulan
Just outside of Denpasar, on the road to Ubud, is a small village where stone statues line the roadside in an impressive array. Terrible fanged demons, noble warriors, and animals of all shapes and sizes and at all stages of completion rest under the shady trees.
Ubud
Famous for its painter's community, Ubud is special in more ways than one. It has its own magic, and its particularly beautiful surrounding and gracious way of life have drawn celebrities and artists from all over the world in recent decades, some have even adopted Ubud as their own home. The magic is easy to find - just take a walk south of the village through its terraced paddy fields to the monkey forest. Fresh water spouts out of the sheer rock at the ravine, and a bath in a secluded shady spot is purifying.
Goa Gajah
Literally means Elephant cave, and it is a "T" shaped caved. This was an ancient monastery of Hindu and Budhist monks who used to meditate in the cave. It is believed that the cave was built in the early 11th century. Its face is elaborately carved, depicting a demon head splitting open the rock with its bare hand at the mouth of the cave.
Tampaksiring
The holy spring which bubbles up in the inner courtyard of the Tirta Empul Temple in Tampaksiring is believed to have magic curative powers, and throngs of people visit the special bathing pools where clear cool water spouts from mossy walls. Legend has it that God Indra created the spring, piercing the ground in search of holy water.
Gunung Kawi
These 11th century tombs, carved out of the rock face of the gorge of the Pakrisan river, are approached by a step descent through breath - taking rice terrain scenery. Historically, the tombs probably have some connection with King Anak Wungsu. Across the gorge are some more impressive tombs that were the resident meditations caves of the holy men who were the keepers of the tombs.
Jan 12, 2008
Bali Useful Information Consulate in Bali
- AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE
Mr. Brent Hall - Consul General, Mr. David Chaplin
Jl. Moh. Yamin 4, P.O. Box 3243 Dps. 80226
Tel. 62 361 235092/3
Fax. 62 361 231990
ausconbali@denpasar.wasantara.net.id
Office hours; Monday - Friday 08.00 ? 12.00, 12.30 ? 16.00 (Bali time) - ROYAL DANISH & NORWEGIAN HONORARY CONSULATE
Ms. Mira Chandra - Consul of Norway & Vice Consul of Denmark
C/O Mimpi Resort Hotel Jimbaran, Kawasan Bukit Permai Jimbaran
Tel. 62 361 701070 Ext. 32
Fax. 62 361 701073
mimpi@mimpi.com
Office hours; Monday - Friday 09.00 ? 14.00 (Bali time) - HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE CHEZH REPUBLIC
Mr. Graham James - Honorary Consul
Jl. Pengembak 17 Sanur Denpasar
Tel. 62 361 286465
Fax. 62 361 286408
bali@honorary.mzv.cz
Office hours; Monday - Friday 08.30 ? 16.00 (Bali time) - CONSULATE AGENCY FRENCH
Mr. Raphael Devianne - Honorary Consul
Jl. Mertasari Gang II No.8, Denpasar
Tel. 62 361 285485
Fax. 62 361 286406
consul@denpasar.centrin.net.id
Office hours; Monday - Friday 14.00 ? 17.00 (Bali time) - HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
Mr. Reinhold Jantzen - Honorary Consul
Jl. Pantai Karang 17 Sanur, P.O. Box 3100 Denpasar 80228
Tel. 62 361 288535
Fax. 288826
dtkonsbali@denpasar.wasantara.net.id
Office hours; Monday - Friday 08.00 ? 12.00 (Bali time) - HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY
Ms. Gabriella Cristofoli - Honorary Consul
C/O Marintur, Jl. Raya Kuta 88, Denpasar
Tel. 62 361 757557/8
Fax. 62 361 757562
cristofoli@denpasar.wasantara.net.id
Appointment only - VICE CONSULATE ITALY
Mr. Giuseppe Confessa - Honorary Vice Consul of Italy
C/O Lotus Enterprise Building, Jl. By pass
Tel. 62 361 701005
Fax. 62 361 701005
italconsbali@italconsbali.com
Office hours; Monday - Friday 10.00 ? 13.00 (Bali time) - HONORARY CONSULATE OF MEXICO
Mr. I Gusti Bagus Yudhara, MBA - Honorary Consul
Puri Astina Putra Building, Jl. Moh. Yamin 1 A, Renon Denpasar
P.O. Box 3150 Denpasar
Tel. 62 361 223266
Fax. 62 361 244568
astina@denpasar.wasantara.net.id
Office hours; Monday - Friday 08.30 ? 12.00, 13.00 ? 16.00 (Bali time) - HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE NETHERLAND
Mr. Al Purwa, MBA - Honorary Consul
Jl. Raya Kuta 127 Kuta 80361, P.O. Box 3337 Denpasar 81001
Tel. 62 361 761506
Fax. 62 361 752777/757586
Dutchconsulate@kcbtours.com
Consul hours; Monday - Friday 08.00 ? 12.00, 12.30 ? 16.00 - HONORARY CONSULATE OF SPAIN
Mr. Amir Rabik - Honorary Consul
Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Br. Lungsiakan Kedewatan ? Ubud
P.O. Box 3237 Denpasar 80032
Tel. 62 361 975736
Fax. 62 361 975726
rabik@indo.net.id
Office Hours; Monday - Friday 09.00 ? 16.00 (Bali time) - HONORARY CONSULATE OF SWEDEN AND FINLAND
Mr. Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya - Honorary Consul
Jl. Segara Ayu Sanur, P.O. Box 91 Denpasar Bali
Tel. 62 361 288407
Fax. 62 361 287242
sweconsul@yahoo.com
Office hours; Monday - Friday 09.00 ? 16 (Bali time) - HONORARY AGENCY OF USA
Mr. Joshua N. Finch - Consular Agent
Jl. Hayam Wuruk 188 Denpasar 80235
Tel. 62 361 233605
Fax. 62 361 265 066
amcobali@indosat.net.id
Office hours; Monday - Friday 08.00 ? 16.30 (Bali time) - CONSULAR OFFICE OF JAPAN
Mr. Noboru Nomura - Consul
Jl. Raya Puputan No. 170 Renon, P.O. Box 3432 Denpasar
Tel. 62 361 227628
Fax. 62 361 265066
konjpdps@indo.net.id
Office hours; Monday - Friday 08.30 ? 12.30, 13.30 ? 16.00 (Bali time) - BRITISH HONORARY CONSULATE
Mr. Mark A. Wilson, OBE Honorary Consul
Jl. Tirta Nadi no.20 Sanur
Denpasar 80238 Bali
Tel. 62 361 270602 (consular only)
Fax. 62 361 287804
bcbali@dps.centrin.net.id
www.britain.or.id
Public/Visitor Opening hours: 08.30 - 12.30 (Monday to Friday, Consular only)
Mr. Jon Zuercher - Honorary Consul
C/O Swiss Restaurant, Jl. Werkudar, Legian Kaja
P.O. Box 2035 Kuta, Bali
Tel. 62 361 751735
Fax. 62 361 754457
swisscon@denpasar.wasantara.net.id
Office Hours; Monday - Friday 09.00 ? 12.00, 12.30 ? 16.00
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