The millennium on Bali: Mediation and purification<\/p>\n
Text by I Wayan Juniarta photos by Murdani Usman<\/p>\n
DENPASAR, Bali (JP): To welcome the new millennium, the island
\nof Bali was enlivened with gala festivities.<\/p>\n
Despite the millennial fanfare to welcome the year 2000, and
\ncolorful New Year parades along Kuta beach, the celebration of
\nthe new year in Bali was not as jubilant as it has been in the
\npast.<\/p>\n
The 30 percent decrease in tourist traffic (from 106,775 in
\nDecember l998), and the approach of religious fetes among the
\nGunungan and Kuningan Hindu communities, as well as Ramadhan and
\nIdul Fitri among Muslims, have constrained Balinese resources for
\nmillennial celebration plans.<\/p>\n
Three major events did result this year, however: the Sacred
\nRhythm International Percussion Festival at Samuan Tiga Temple in
\nPejeng, Gianyar; Nyurya Sewana Bumi 2000 at Sanur Beach,
\nDenpasar, and Bali Artventures 2000, which each drew thousands of
\nviewers at the sites.<\/p>\n
The opening ceremony of the Sacred Rhythm Festival was
\ninspired by Nyepi, a Hindu Day of Silence ceremony.<\/p>\n
The ceremony began with a parade of Ogoh-ogoh (oversize dolls
\nin the form of evil creatures) proceeding from Penataran Sasih
\nTemple to Samuan Tiga Temple in Pejeng, the center of the ancient
\nBalinese Kingdom Bedulu. Involving hundreds of youth from Pejeng
\nand the surrounding areas, the procession attracted the attention
\nof thousands of domestic and international tourists as well as
\nthe local Balinese people.<\/p>\n
The Sacred Rhythm Festival was organized by the United Nations
\nEducational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) who
\nhave set the year 2000 as the year for peace. The Sacred Bridge
\nFoundation presented international artists such as Jin Hi Kim
\nfrom South Korea, Stomu Yamash'ta from Japan, Vikku Vinayakram
\nfrom India, and Indian musicians Djaduk Ferianto and I Wayan
\nSadra. Dancer Soeprapto swayed to music composed by Rahayu
\nSupanggah.<\/p>",
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