Oriental Studies Students Delegation at Faculty of Tourism, Udayana University
Religion - the deepest imprint of Indian cultureThe most obvious mark of Indian culture in Bali is religion, according to the locals, more than 70% of Balinese residents follow Hinduism. During the trip, the students visited the most sacred and representative temples such as Taman Ayun, Tirta Empul and Lempuyang. Each temple is not only a place of worship, but also a center of community cohesion, where deep faith in Hindu gods is expressed.
Indian studies students visit Taman Ayun temple – the royal temple of the Balinese people.
Oriental Studies students visit Tirta Empul Temple and Lempuyang Temple
Two of the most striking rituals are the melukat at Tirta Empul Temple and the Banyu Pinaruh ceremony by the sea. While the melukat recalls the practice of bathing in the Ganges River in India, with the belief that the sacred waters can wash away impurities and bestow blessings, the Banyu Pinaruh, which takes place after Saraswati, emphasizes the purification of the soul and the reception of new energy from the sea. Both demonstrate a direct transmission of Indian culture into Balinese religious life.
Tourists perform the melukat cleansing ritual at Tirta Empul temple
Architecture - a harmonious blend of Hinduism and indigenous stylesThe Indian influence is also evident in Balinese temple architecture. Taman Ayun Temple stands out with its multi-tiered towers (meru) inspired by the sacred mountain Meru in Indian mythology. Meanwhile, Lempuyang Temple with its legendary “Gate of Heaven” is both artistic and contains profound religious philosophy. Both demonstrate the subtle adaptation between Hindu architectural styles and the natural and cultural context of Bali.
Multi-tiered tower architecture (meru) in the Taman Ayun Temple compound.
The split candi bentar gate architecture in the Lempuyang temple complex.
Elaborately carved statues of gods are characteristic of Hindu architectural style.
Not only in religion, but also in daily life, the residential architecture of the Balinese people also bears the mark of India. Many houses are built from stacked red bricks, without paint or lime plaster, similar to the traditional Indian style. However, the roof is localized with tiled roofs in Southeast Asian design, creating a unique harmony. In addition, the entrances of many restaurants, hotels, or markets also bear the strong Hindu architectural style, showing that Indian influence is deeply rooted not only in the religious space but also in the space of daily life.
Cultural life – India is present in every beat of lifeThe most profound impression on the students was the way Indian culture is present in every small detail of Balinese people's lives. Along the roads, statues of Hindu gods can be seen everywhere, in which the three supreme gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva stand out. In particular, Lord Ganesha - the god of wisdom and luck - often appears in front of restaurants, hotels or shops, as a symbol of blessings and peace.
Statues of Lord Ganesha - the god of wisdom and luck often appear at the entrances to tourist sites.
Balinese people also maintain the habit of praying. Every morning, they make small offerings made of flowers, leaves, and incense called canang sari at the entrance of their homes, schools, or shops. This is not only a form of worship, but also an expression of gratitude to the gods and the aspiration for balance and harmony in life. Most families have small shrines in the yard or right in front of the gate for convenient worship. Because of this, in any location, from public spaces to private spaces, one can easily feel the presence of beliefs and customs associated with Hinduism.
The internship trip to Bali opened up the opportunity to observe and directly feel the distinct presence of Indian culture on this island. From religion, architecture, to daily cultural life, all have proven the strong interaction between India and Bali. These are not just “traces” but have become an inseparable part of Balinese identity. The trip ended successfully with a lot of useful knowledge and valuable experiences but the echoes still remain, and this journey will become an unforgettable memory for each member of the internship group.
