Culture Archives

5 APRIL 1946

11 April 2016/in Culture, News, West Bali

Last Tuesday took place a great commemoration on the large beach just in front of Puri Dajuma.
It was 60 years when Lt Col I Gusti Ngurah Raï landed here with his soldiers from East Java, after the Dutch army blocked the access to Bali in Gilimanuk.
Native from Bali from the warrior Ksatriya caste, Ngurah RaÏ formed and commanded the Ciung Wanara regiment, the first official military force in Bali following Indonesia’s independence in 1945.
The inscription on the monument boat constructed there and recently refurbished by Puri Dajuma: “returning home after reporting to the republic’s leadership in Yogya” clearly refers to the meeting in Yogyakarta, Central Java, during which Ngurah Raï was tasked with leading the resistance in Bali.

The regiment spearheaded the guerrilla resistance in Bali against the better-armed forces that tried to bring Indonesia under Dutch rule. They perished at Margarana (Tabanan district) 20th of November 1946.
Gathering between the hotel’s lawn and the monument boat, veterans with their orange caps, young people with their green caps from the Indonesian army, military and civil authorities could share this important page of Indonesia’s history, and the guests enjoy it.

TEMPLE FESTIVAL AND FOOLMOON AT PURI DAJUMA

29 March 2016/in Culture, Dajuma, News

Located besides the SPA on West side and above the ocean, Puri Dajuma’s main temple is a major place for its staff, mostly Hindous.
The temple houses a holy Mask brought from Java some years ago with great fanfare, many ceremonies take place there.
Last Wednesday March 23rd was the day to celebrate in festive rituals, with a lot of people and a large orchestra.
After a ‘melasti’ or purification in front of the sea in the morning, the gods and deified ancestors have been invited for their blessings under the foolmoon.
A great atmosphere for the young dancers richly dressed showing their abilities as well as for the guests who had the opportunity to enter the deep and exciting culture of Bali.

NYEPI CELEBRATION

14 March 2016/in Bali, Culture, News

Nyepi is probably the most extraordinary celebration in Bali. Can you imagine a full day of silence commemorated every Saka new year which fell on March 9th this year, where people all around the island stay at home with lights kept low, with no working, no entertainment, no traveling, and for some, no talking or eating at all! Even the airport is closed and the roads empty! Something definitively very special which makes foreigners sometimes quizzical. They should not because Nyepi is a very important tradition in Bali totally devoted to … self reflection.
On the eve of Nyepi day take place these unbelievable parades called Ogoh-ogoh where mythological beings, mostly demons, are shown on the streets.
Another good reason to come to Bali and discover the wealth of its culture!

Happy Galungan Day

15 February 2016/in Culture, News

Galungan is a great day for Hindus, that comes every six months. During this period one can see these beautiful decorations called Penjor along the roads, everywhere in Bali. Penjor itself means a manifestation of gratitude of Balinese people to God, above all the grace that is given to them and a characteristic of the Galungan feast.
Further more, Penjor is also the representation of Dragon named Ananthaboga and Basuki. Its shape is similar with dragon. The base point of bamboo is the body of the dragon while the end of the bamboo is similar to the tail of it. Importantly, Ananthaboga is a symbol of soil, while Basuki is a symbol of safety. It is believed that it can provide healing of illness.
Happy Galungan!

OFFERINGS TO THE GODS

18 January 2016/in Bali, Culture, News

Bali is a beautiful island, full of history and culture. Among all its traditions, there is one consisting in making offerings to the gods that surprises most tourists. Three times a day, the Balinese meticulously prepare charming small baskets called “Canang Sari” made from young coconut leaves and filled with rice and flowers. Once prepared these Canang Sari are put in two different places : on the floor to repel evil spirits who live in the sea which is the home to demons and ogres and in temples to thank the good spirits.
But what exactly is the meaning of this ritual?
It gives back what has been given to the people by the Gods. It is a sharing based on gratitude to the richness of life. Offerings appease the spirits and bring prosperity and good health to the family. It is a duty and an honour at the same time, and in Balinese perspective a very natural way to maintain a good relationship between people and spirits.
On the picture, our guest and friend Astrid from Holland, learns how to make these offerings with the attentive help of Anom in charge of the garden at Dajuma.

Celebrating Christmas

28 December 2015/in Culture, Dajuma, News

In a multicultural environment where all religions are present and living peacefully together, Christmas has been celebrated at Dajuma like everywhere else in the island. A great moment of sharing without forgetting the delicious buffet served in the sunset and accompanied by a live orchestra and traditional Balinese dances. Merry Christmas!

WILD WEST BALI

14 December 2015/in Culture, Nature, News, West Bali

We are not the only one to be in love with West Bali : long ignored by tourist guides, Bali west is finally recognized as one of the most beautiful parts of the island with its unique natural and cultural treasures: the site of Perancak and its incredible boats, the most sacred temple of Rambut Siwi, the West Bali National park, the vibrant Jegog music, the popular buffalo racing, the surf and diving spots … Well the list goes on!
Like us, Mark Eveleigh is one of these Bali West lovers. He just wrote a long article on Bali for the famous Independent newspaper in which Bali West has not been neglected. Many thanks to you Mark (www.markeveleigh.com / @Mark_Eveleigh)
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/holidays/bali-beach-breaks-jungle-treks-and-wildlife-watching-10465179.html

SARASWATI CELEBRATION

30 November 2015/in Bali, Culture, News

Last Saturday, the Balinese people celebrated Dewi Saraswati, the Godness for science, knowledge, arts and wisdom. The day before, they did a mental preparation while cleaning and rearranging their books because, on Saraswati day, the books are blessed and the Balinese people prepares the offerings for the « vedas », the holy Hindou books.
Work and knowledge are celebrated in the schools in the morning, then in the offices during the afternoon.
Not before the evening are the people allowed to read some religious books in the temples.
The day after was devoted to praying and libation in the temples, the beach, the rivers and springs which symbolise the flowing knowledge for the humans….
So that every one can begin a new cycle of 210 days, purified and wise….
On the picture, visible from the entrance of Puri Dajuma, the Saraswati statue is part of the the Gold Suite decoration.

SURPRISE BIRTHDAY FOR ANNA!

14 September 2015/in Culture, Dajuma, News, People

A beautiful tradition in our hotel is to celebrate birthdays of our guests by surprise. This is what happened recently with Anna from France, for her 13th anniversary. After a delicious dinner served in our Teppanyaki restaurant, suddenly the lights went out and a beautiful anniversary cake prepared in secret by the kitchen brought to their table together with a nice decoration hat. What a surprise! Happy birthday Anna!

HONEY MOON AND PLUS

31 August 2015/in Culture, Dajuma, News, Wedding

Dajuma welcomes every year many honeymooners and other guests celebrating specific events. One must say that the location as well as the garden of the resort are particularly suited for celebrations : nice rooms delicately decorated with flowers, romantic dinners in the garden or on the beach and a lot of attention of our staff, all this creates a warm atmosphere around the guests who celebrate their honeymoon or another important anniversary. On the picture, a nice decoration made of natural flowers gently disposed on the bed awaits honeymooners in their room. You should try!

Puri Dajuma Beach ☆☆☆☆