Ancestors Day in Sakti, Bali

The preparations for this day were dramatic and humorous for us as we joined our host family to celebrate Galungan Day in the village we were privileged to stay for one week in October.

After walking about half a mile through the village we are greeted at Pura (Temple) Dalem Bentuyung. The whole village has come for this day of greeting the spirits of ancestors with food and prayers. Both Ellen and I were very moved as we greeted and were greeted by Ellen's father's family in these temples. Here is the procedure for the ceremony that we participated.

Prayer ceremony follows these steps:

1. ‘Wash’ your hands and face in the smoke from the incense.
2. Close your eyes and pray with empty hands – your palms should be pressed together and held at forehead height with your thumbs almost touching your head.
3. Cleanse a flower in the incense smoke and hold it between your fingertips for the next prayer. This step is repeated usually 3 times but sometimes more. This is directed by the pemangku so again, watch what others are doing and follow.
4. Put the flower in your hair, behind your ear, or discard it on the ground in front of you.
5. The final prayer is with empty hands again.
6. Wait for the pemangku to come and sprinkle holy water on you. When he/she approaches, put your hands in the air and bow your head.
7. After being sprinkled with holy water, you need to hold your cupped hands out, right over left, to accept more holy water. Drink 3 times and pour the final water over your head.
8. Take a pinch of bija (wet rice grains) with your right hand and place in your left palm. This rice should be placed on your forehead and throat and a few grains should be eaten.
9. When the people around you start getting up, follow them to the next prayer location.

Wayan Lisih helping me with the water purification ceremony.

 

 Ellen, Wayan Adi, and Lon at the gate to the temple. Adi is always greeting us in the mornings during breakfast that is prepared by his mother Wayan Sukaniti and his grandmother Madi, Wayan Lisih does his part as well. Do you like my sarong? Ellen's dress is purple of course.

 Wayan Lisih and Wayan Adi laughing together at the temple gate.

Cousins of the family at the temple.

 Wayan Lisih and Lon are having a post ceremony feast at his family's home. Lisih's father, mother, and 6 uncles live here. Check out my Balinese Udeng (headdress) required for the ceremonies.

Wayan Lisih and Wayan Sukaniti transporting food to Sukaniti's home and to the temple.