On the island of bali

The Balinese have strong spiritual roots and despite the large influx of tourists over the years, their culture is still very much alive. The main religion is Hindu Dharma, which although originally from India, is comprised of unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Javanese and ancient indigenous beliefs; it is very different from the Hinduism practiced in India today.

Geographically, Bali is situated between the islands of Java and Lombok.

Bali is small, steretching approximately 140 km from east to west, and 80 km from north to south.
The tallest of string of volcanic mountains that run from the east to west is Gunung Agung, which last erupted in 1963.Located just 8 south of the Equator.
The Balinese have strong spiritual roots and despite the large influx of tourists over the years, their culture is still very much alive.
The main religion is Hindu Dharma, which although originally from India, is comprised of unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Javanese and ancient indigenous beliefs it is very different from the Hinduism practiced in India today.

They believe good spirits dwell in the mountains and that the seven seas are home to demons and ogres.
Most villages have at least three main temples, namely:

• The Pura Puseh, or temple of origin, facing the mountains;

• The pura Desa, or village temple normally found in the center; and

• The Pura Dalem,

Aligned with the sea and dedeicated to the spirits of the dead.
Aside from these village temples, almost every house has own shrine.

Some temples, for example Pun Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung, are considerably more important and people from all over Bali travel there to worship.

Offerings play a significant role in Balinese life as they appease the spirits and thus bring prosperity and good health to the family.
Every day small offering trays (Canang Sari), containing symbolic food, flowers, cigarettes and money, are respectfully put on shrines, in temples, in front of houses and shops, and at dangerous crossroads.

Festivals are another great occasion for soothing the gods.

The women carry huge, beautifully arranged pyramids of food, fruit and flowers on theirs heads while the men might conduct a blood sacrifice through a cockfight.

Bali island with its wonderfiui nature, seems to be a magnet for the local and international tourists.

The beauty of the beach and sea with its big waves attract so many beach and surf lover from all over the world.