CALENDAR OF EVENTS - JULY 2010

1st - 10th July – 32nd Bali Arts FestivalThe Bali Arts Festival is a full month of daily performances, having begun on June 12th of handicraft exhibitions and other related cultural and commercial activities during which literally the whole of Bali comes to the capital city to present its offerings of dance, music and beauty. The Bali Arts Festival is the Denpasar cultural event of the year. The festival is thus a unique opportunity to see local village culture both live and at first hand. Tourists are warmly welcomed. For the complete daily program please visit info@baliartsfestival.com

2nd – 4th July – Gempita Gianyar III
This is the third of the successful event celebrating art, culture and fashion held in 2007 & 2008 to be held in Ubud, with consideration to Ubud being nominated as ‘The Best City in Asia’ by Conde Nast in the US.

10th July – Public Holiday – Ascension of the Prophet
This is a national public holiday; therefore banks and government buildings will be closed, as may be some commerce, which celebrates the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad. This event is celebrated each year via a festival for families, the Lailat al Miraj, one of the most important events in the Islamic calendar. Muslims bring their children to mosques where the children are told the parable, pray with the adults, and then afterward food and treats are served.

11th July – Dark Moon - Tilem Sasih Kasa
The Balinese adhering to the Hindu Dharma religion will celebrate ‘Tilem’ in temple ceremonies, which are mostly held in every major temple and family shrines around the island of Bali. On this day Hindus make offerings to the Gods, placed on the ground at the entrance of each housing compound. The aim is to beg God’s grace; so that God illuminates one’s dark thoughts.

20th July – Kuta Karnival Theme Song Competition
The annual Kuta Karnival may be held this September, but all the aspiring musicians and bands out there must get their demo cd’s in by today to be chosen as the theme tune and media exposure in the ‘Heal the World’ themed competition. Each entry costs Rp. 55,000 per group or Rp. 35,000 per singer. All info on info@kutakarnival.com or call +61 361 761306.

26th July – Full Moon - Purnama Sasih Karo
The full moon falls on this day and ceremonies are held throughout the Hindu temples all across Bali. The Balinese that adhere to the Hindu Dharma religion will take offerings of food, fruit and flowers to the temple to be blesses by the priest. It is the essence of theses offerings that will be enjoyed by the deities. The Balinese themselves are then blessed by performing various rituals using holy water, incense smoke, petals and rice grains.

31st July – Tumpek Kandang – Balinese Blessing Ceremony
This Balinese Hindu ceremony is held every 210 days to honour and bless livestock and domesticated animals. The name Tumpek Kandang is derived from two words, ‘Tumpek’, which means Saturday and ‘Kandang’ being the Balinese word for cage. This special day honours nature and in particular cows will be washed in the rivers and adorned, pigs will have their bellies washed & wrapped in cloth, as well as being given specially chosen food. The Balinese believe this will bring their livestock and themselves more prosperity. Prayers will be held at the temples across the island..

Source: Baliplus.com