entering the Zone, notice the very old sacred banyan tree |
one of the many fine artists, carving the demons/protectors on site |
Jantuk has been ferrying priests from Tabanan + Klungkung in preparation for the celebrations. The village had a Bazaar a few weeks ago for fundraising ....I went..... and as usual.... it was a party organized to the hilt; beautifully executed as Only the Balinese can do....and raised A lot of money. Right after Kuningan..... the women of the village began their preparations...almost round the clock.... of literally millions of offerings. Obviously, it time to visit the temple.
entering the inner chamber of the temple.... all painting is done on-site |
all handcarved with the sacred mythology/texts that is Hindu+ Animism |
Jantuk observing the workmen |
Krishna (always the green/blue fella) |
the Naga (dragon) holding up the world |
all scaffolding is bamboo |
this artist is from Gianyar |
these thatched black roofs are from the palm; they are startling and characteristic of Bali.... many tiered signify higher caste |
Inside looking up at the outer roof (remember all Balinese buildings are open on the sides) |
What beauty..... my mouth was agape |
Silhouetted, the sculpture looks so alive |
the sacred bull |
I walk around, camera in hand, standing transfixed next to the artists.....we chat: typical construction site all men......they are slightly bemused that I am interested....and in Bunutan.(this is worlds away from Ubud)...I always feel welcome (and I try to stay out of their way). I really am in awe of what I am witnessing. It really feels sacred. It is sacred. The mood in the temple tells me this.
outside this is especially erected for the upacara |
I am so proud to tell you that this year, Pak and his neighbors have decided to begin again to farm organically. Bali has adapted this policy 2 years ago, and will support a banjar with technical assistance, compost and seeds. It is crucial as the ground water is getting very polluted.....not to mention the cancers in the farmers+ families. Let 's hope that more and more farmers go back to organic. yes there is a market for this in Bali.....but more importantly; it's healthier for the Balinese and their environment.
Pak is center, in the white shirt |
fine work being done with such a large KNIFE |
just being created |
No Nails! |
the bamboo and the community at work |
Then Jantuk and I go over to where the WOMEN are working. Preparations for Odalan. Last year I went to Taro (see last year's blog) to observe the preparations for an upacara that had not been performed in hundreds of years. The last time Bunutan prepared for a new temple, Pak was a boy. All the offerings differ...... depending on the upacara.
Unfortunately, my visual offerings are scant due to my *&$@?_!^!!! camera......the battery lasts such a short TIME!
Again, the scale of the amount of offerings is staggering. So many women and some men making offerings everyday, all day until 11pm....and it begins anew each day at 7am.
the women wear the white headbands to denote their dedication to the spiritual work. the baskets are all handmade, and the contents are rice, seeds, herbs +spices, nuts+ coconut |
Rows and rows of women all doing their work....highly organized, and it's all being counted. The "accountants" all have their roles of tallying....... the preparations will continue like this until May 1 (and in between there in is Nyepi {see the Ogoh-Ogoh blog from last year} not to mention full moon and 15 day celebrations......O! just thinking about all the upacara makes me alternatively excited and EXHAUSTED!
travelin' woman
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