Denpasar, In the City

Çiwaratri in Denpasar

On Sunday, 9 January 2004, it will be much better if you drive slowly and carefully when entering Denpasar, moreover, if you pass Udayana Street (infront of Kodam IX Udayana) and Surapati Street (in front of Bali Governor official residence). The reason is on that day, Hindu people around Denpasar will come to Puputan Badung Memorial Park to celebrate Çiwaratri Holy Day. It is not the first time, but on every Çiwaratri celebration, the city governance always choose the Puputan Badung Memorial and Jagatnatha Temple.

According to I Ketut Gde Suaryadala, Sub Division Head of Religion and Culture Department, Public Welfare Division of Denpasar Town, this year Çiwaratri celebrations is still directed to last year celebration. The praying activity will be done three times. The first praying starts on 7 pm, then 12 am and the last are 5 am. Each ceremonial praying will lead by three sulinggih (priest) in turn.
As explained, the praying schedule is always crowded by pemedek (devotees), so some will go to Puputan Badung Park. Holy songs accompany the devotees while praying, starting in the morning until the next morning. People also render their ability for ngayah (charity performance) coordinated by Sekaa Santi Widya Sabha Denpasar.
After gathering prayers, the event continues with a shadow puppet staging in front of the Jagatnatha Temple yard. The story was taken from society’s life and the story of Lubdaka, which is the background of the Çiwaratri commemoration.
The commemoration of Çiwaratri in Denpasar is a collaboration between Bali Provincial Government, representing Listibiya (Cultural Founding Board of Bali).
A colossal traditional art staging Sendratari dance fragment, Wayang Kulit (shadow staging) and Cotemporary Puppet show, classical and new creation dances, modern drama and barong, classical music instruments (gong kebyar and semarapagulingan) are performed during the celebrations, which entertain the devotees until the next morning.
Made Erwin Suryadarma Sena, Public Relations Co-ordinator of Denpasar city said, the staging will present the theme of Lubdaka, a hunter who spends the night in the jungle. “Each Çiwaratri, Denpasar citizen always prays in the Jagatnata Temple. This activity have become a tradition, moreover the number of pemedek (devotees) is always increasing over the years,” he said. (BTN/015)