For the Balinese Hindus, the Day of Silence, Nyepi, falls on the Balinese Lunar New Year. And although the Balinese community in Bintan Resorts are far away from their hometown, this ritual is not forgotten.
The day started early. By 16:30 final preparation can be seen in the only Balinese Temple in Lagoi.
Offerings were arranged, scents were burnt, and the umbrella for the God was opened. It was, after all, a very hot day.
I have always been fascinated by the richness of both color and variety of the offerings. It is said that the offerings made the bulk of the budget. And there are no regrets.
The individual prays when they delivered the offerings, were elegant. There is little wonder why the Balinese are such talented artists.
The way they hold the flowers with their fingers, the position of their palms, the head, and the bow, were all so gentle yet you can feel the seriousness in the pray.
And so the Ritual of the Day of Silence was begun.
The Opening Ceremony of this 10-days event was a success. It took place in Bintan Resorts Amphitheater last saturday. The opening was done by the Regent of Riau Archipelago. The main performances were fluid, seamlessly flowing one after another. Apart from the Balinese dance, they were performed professionally. These are the highlights (that I like).
The Master of Ceremony was good, I felt the interaction with the audience. He even threw jokes a few times.
Kalimantan dance, performed by the dancers of Nirwana Gardens Resorts.
Tari Betawi by the ladies of BRC.
Tonight: Balinese Ceremony and Ogoh-Ogoh parade. See you all at the Township.
