visit Indonesia year 2009

Galungan Holy Day in Bali

>> Rabu, 07 Januari 2009

The Galungan Holy Day in Bali is one of the most important and revered of the Bali Events and Festivals. Of the many Annual Celebrations of Bali, the Galungan Holy Day in Bali has a special place in the hearts and minds of the people, as it is an event where the Balinese honor their ancestors and pray for their departed souls. Held once in every 210 days, one Balinese Year, the Galungan Holy Day in Bali is the day when the ancestors descend into the family temples, and are feted.

The Bali Events and Festivals in the month of November are ruled by the great importance laid on the Galungan Holy Day in Bali, which is seen as the day when Dharma or Justice has a victory over Adharma or Evil. During this time, the entire island is decorated colorfully and there are numerous festivities held. Every Balinese tries to make it a point to return to his native homeland during the Galungan Holy Day in Bali to attend the celebrations.

According to the Bali Travel Guide, the Galungan Holy Day in Bali is of three types, Galungan (Ordinary Galungan), Galungan Nadi (Grand Galungan), and Galungan Nara Mangsa (Forbidden Galungan). The Ordinary Galungan is celebrated every 210 days on Wednesday. The Galungan Nadi is celebrated when the Galungan coincides with the Full Moon, and is a much bigger celebration. The Galungan Nara Mangsa is celebrated when the Galungan coincides with the New Moon, and at this time, there is no celebration or offering.

One of the most important celebrations of Bali, the Galungan Holy Day in Bali is important for the Hindu people, and is spread over a three-day period, when a series of symbolic rituals and ceremonies are conducted, and great offerings made. It is thought that during the Galungan Holy Day in Bali, the Gods and deified ancestors descend upon earth for a period of 10 days, and that they must be pampered and given great attention and respect.

Senggigi Festival Lombok

East of the island of Bali, in the archipelago of Indonesia, is positioned the island of Lombok. Though the population is dominantly Muslim, the island nevertheless has quite a few Hindus and Christians too. However, all the islanders are Saseks. This island of Lombok that is renowned for the festivals and events that it hosts year round is deeply steeped in cultural heritage; something all the islanders are proud of and love to flaunt. So, to further their aim of propagating their culture, Senggigi hosts an annual festival to promote the culture of Lombok. This festival is called the Senggigi festival of Lombok.

The Senggigi festival of Lombok is hosted in the resort town of Senggigi. This town is located in the northwestern coast of the Lombok island next to the Lombok Strait. The Senggigi festival of Lombok is conducted in the Resort area of the town. The Senggigi Festival in Lombok is a colorful affair, given that its main purpose is to promote tourism. In accordance, the Senggigi Festival of Lombok is organized and held by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture of West Lombok. The Senggigi festival of Lombok lasts for the span of a week and is a riotous cultural affair that will leave you wanting for more. During the course of the week the organizers – the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture of West lombok – showcase to visitors to the island the various aspects and traits of the culture and traditional art of the Sasek people of Lombok. The entire festivities take place in the beach area. Most of the audience and spectators of the festivals are overseas invitees, who are called to take part in the events.

The main events that are highlights of the seven days of the Senggigi Festival of Lombok are the different types of dance of the island, performance of the different genres of Lombok music, dramas that revolve around local legends and myths and showcasing and exhibiting traditional handicrafts and artifacts. Moreover, there are a number of activities for visitors that encourage and also expect participation. Also in this list of activities are activities custom-made for family outings and keeping children involved. However, these activities are not merely novelty; they are a huge learning experience while also providing entertainment. As a result of this, plenty of tourists flock to the resort town of Senggigi in Lombok. After all that is the entire purpose of the Senggigi Festival of Lombok.

Jakarta Festivals & Events

The capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta is a junction where many cultures criss-cross each other. Situated on the north west of the island Java, Jakarta records a rich history of kings, conquests and trade. With each invasion the city has undergone changes in its culture, traditions and even people. But the brave city has never lost its fighting spirit and has regained time and again what was rightfully its and also with time has incorporated and retained what it found was novel and worthy.

As such Jakarta has been the home to different ethnic groups. Each ethnic group brought along itself their own share of customs, beliefs, rituals and customs. The result was the birth of a mixed culture, an amalgamation of traditions and art giving rise to various festivals and events exclusive to each group.

The festivals and events of Jakarta have rendered a festive spirit to the charming city. Full of different customs, colors and fun, the festivals and events is a welcome break in the otherwise busy life of the Jakarta residents. The festivals and events keep the city busy for a large chunk of the year and is a time of revelry and fun. They follow the motto of the nation ‘Unity in Diversity’ by heart and the cultural variety of the capital city astonishes those who come to explore this extremely beautiful country.

All the festivals and events of Jakarta are strikingly different from each other. The capital city is also the cultural hub of the country and the nature of festivals and events that take place are the reflections of the tastes and choice of the common people. The Musical events and the Film Festival attain international proportions and attract a large crowd every year. The other festivals are equally close to the heart and are celebrated with great pomp and show.

Even if most of the festivals and events are meant for the local people or the islanders and is a mixed bag it may be a little difficult for the temporary visitor to understand. But nonetheless the warm welcome and the scenic beauty of the city will enamor you and hold you back only to bask in the glory and festive spirit.

Festivals and Events in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta has many festivals both religious and cultural, to commemorate various events and ceremonies. So you can enjoy your Yogyakarta trip by being a part of these festivals. Some of the more famous festivals are as follows:

Garebeg Besar, Yogyakarta:

Garebeg Besar is a festival held in the month of March. It is a Mouslim festival celebrated with great pomp and show. This festival is held to commemorate Idul Ad'ha which is also the Moslem Day of Sacrifice.

Labuhan Ceremony, Yogyakarta:

This is another important festival in Indonesia and is held in the month of April. Labuhan Ceremony is performed to secure the welfare and well being of the Sultan and the people of Yogyakarta.

Waicak, Yogyakarta:

Waicak is a Buddhist festival, celebrated in the month of May. It is held to commemorate Gautam Buddha's life, his birth, accession and death. Held in most of the Buddhist temples and Viharas throughout Indonesia, it is particularly celebrated with enormous exuberance in Yogyakarta. The most important ceremony of this festival is held on a full moon evening in May at the Mendut and Borobudur temple

Sekaten Ceremony, Yogyakarta:

Sekaten Ceremony is held in the month of June. The people of Yogyakarta commemorate the birth of Prophet Mohammed by celebrating this festival. The Sekaten Ceremony continues for one week, where in the people perform traditional dances and sing folk songs. On the first day of this ceremony a mid- night parade is organized which continues to the Grand Mosque. A night fair is also held for one whole month at the alum-alun utara.

Saparan Ceremony, Yogyakarta:

The Saparan Ceremony is also celebrated during the month of June. It is basically celebrated by the people of Ambarketawang, where in people eat apem cake and make ceremonial offerings to please Gods. A procession is also held during the Saparan Ceremony, and the members of noble family - Ki Ageng Wonolela, participate in this procession.

Art Festival, Yogyakarta:

The Art Festival is celebrated throughout Yogyakarta in the month of June and July. During this festival you will witness various artistic performances including dance and singing performances, puppet shows etc. Various artifacts are also on display during this period and you can also buy some of these artifacts.

Ruwat Bumi Ceremony

>> Selasa, 06 Januari 2009

Sat, 31 Jan 2009
Ruwat Bumi Ceremony

A thanksgiving ceremony performed by the local farmers and takes place in “Guci” hot water springs about 33 kilometers away from Tegal. Guci is a mountain resort, 1,050 meters above sea level with the temperature ranging from 12.8° - 21.9° Celcius. The unique part of the ceremony is when the locals bathe goats under 13 years old under hot water. Locals also slaughter goat at “Gunung Kelir”. The event is ended at night with the local folk performances.
Location: Tegal, Central Java

Tabuik Festival

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 - Thu, 22 Jan 2009
Tabuik Festival

Tabuik is a statue of bouraq, or a steed with broad wings and a human head, with the head of a smiling girls, wings and broad tales. On the back are coffins covered by beautiful decorated umbrella.

Tabuik carried by 20 men from the city to the beach, accompanied by kettledrums in a spirit of rhythm. People shouted Angkat Husein (Lift Husein) the carnaval to keep the spirit a live.

A tabuik is not just a decorative statue. A rite must be performed when it is made. There are seven processes involved in the making of a tabuik, starting from Muharram 1st up to 10th.
On Muharram 1st, which marks the first process in the making of a tabuik, mud is collected from the river and wrapped in a white cloth, is placed into an earthenware pot and the pot is kept in a lalaga, a place measuring three meters by three meters fenced all around with parupuk-small bamboo pieces.

Location: Pariaman, West Sumatera

Jakarta Mega Wedding Festival 2009

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 - Sun, 18 Jan 2009
Jakarta Mega Wedding Festival 2009

Organizer : Cantik Photo Bridal
Location: Hall D1, Jakarta International Expo
Web Site: www.jiexpo.com