Kuningan in Ubud, Bali
Today is Kuningan in Ubud, Bali, which is the last day of the 10 day holiday beginning on Galungan when the gods descend and are present. Today the gods leave Bali.
Penjor at Murni's Houses.
The roads are decorated, shrines are covered in glorious textiles and statues are dressed.
Balinese Guardian Statue dressed in Poleng textile.
The Balinese pray at their temples and shrines. It’s an important and happy day.
Balinese Gate at Murni's Houses.
Murni’s Warung was closed as the Balinese staff are all too busy to work. So I left Murni’s Houses to walk into town for lunch. I looked back at the large Balinese gate and admired the penjor, the large bamboo pole, which is symbolic on many levels, and the offerings stuffed into the niches on either side of the door.
Shop on the main street of Ubud.
Walking down the main street I photographed a few shrines and the shop where I’ve often bought udeng, the Balinese headdress for men, from the old lady, who also sells hats. She’s always smiling. She had a rather nice double shrine.
People going about their business, Ubud., Bali.
A little further down shop girls were chatting happily as a lady went about her business carrying a plastic container on her head.
Pig Barong, Ubud, Bali.
Throughout this period Barongs parade along the streets, always accompanied by umbrellas and music.
Balinese gamelan music accompanies the Barong.
I mentioned in an earlier post that there are different types of Barong. This one is the pig Barong.
I decided to follow it and soon it stopped in front of a house and danced bringing good luck to the family who lived there.
Balinese photographer.
I spotted a Balinese girl photographing me. We became friends and she invited me into her home to see her family temple and meet the family. Photography is like that.
The family temple was a beautiful one with magnificently decorated shrines.
But better than that there were several generations of welcoming people.
The Youngest One.
The youngest member was intrigued to see a large, ungainly foreigner wander in.
Sister.
His sister was more comfortable with the intruder and slightly bemused.
Aunt.
His aunt had eyes that looked right through you and melted your heart.
Mother.
His mother was proud and smiley.
Grandmother.
His grandmother had a wonderful, wise and kindly face.
Grandmother's friend.
Her friend was sitting beside her.
There’s more about Galungan, Kuningan and Barongs in Secrets of Bali.
There are more photographs on www.jonathaninbali.com
Related articles
- The Barongs of Bali (murnisbali.wordpress.com)
Darmaji School, East Bali
Darmaji School, East Bali
Every year we visit this wonderful school in East Bali with the founders of The Ganesha Foundation, a charity which supports the school under the auspices of the East Bali Poverty Project.
Darmaji School, East Bali
Its purpose is to help children receive a basic secular education.
Darmaji School, East Bali
The school is in one of the poorest parts, where tourists never visit, in the hamlet of Darmaji between Mount Agung and Mount Abang.
Darmaji School, East Bali
If you would like more information, or to make a donation, have a look at www.ganeshafoundation.org.
There are more photographs on www.jonathaninbali.com
Walking Street, Pattaya, Thailand
Walking Street, Pattaya, Thailand
Walking Street, Pattaya, Thailand is probably the most exciting street in the world if like to have fun.
Walking Street, Pattaya, Thailand
We went with our friends. We knew what to expect as we’d been there before.
Walking Street, Pattaya, Thailand
There are all kinds of entertainment, bars, discos, gogo-dancing, cabaret, restaurants and shows – and many neon lights.
Walking Street, Pattaya, Thailand
There are more photographs on www.jonathaninbali.com
