Some tourists were spotted in ceremonial attire and participating in the prayers alongside the Balinese Hindu communities in Ubud's Pakraman Village Temple.
"We are not Hindus, but we follow the ceremonial process and say our prayers in the temple alongside the local Balinese Hindu congregation," Barteck and Aneta, a Polish couple, stated in Ubud, Wednesday.
Barteck wore a white Balinese traditional attire, replete with the head gear "Udeng," while Aneta wore a yellow kebaya.
"We prayed for luck," Barteck remarked.
The temple's priest, often addressed as Mangku, Kadek, noted that several foreign tourists were seen following the prayer proceedings since early morning.
"Some of them were Hindus, but a lot of them were not, yet they continued to offer prayers alongside the Balinese Hindus here," he pointed out.
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Most tourists visiting the temple in Ubud came to witness the prayers to celebrate the Galungan and Kuningan holy days.
The festivities to mark both holy days have drawn tourists to visit the Island of Gods.
Inside the temple, several tourists were seen capturing the moments on their cameras and some even using sophisticated and professional equipment.
Tourists thronged the main road in Ubud from 8 a.m. local time.
Balinese Hindus observe the holy days of Galungan and Kuningan to celebrate the victory of virtue (Dharma) over malignance (Adharma). Commemorative prayers are offered at every temple. Traditionally, during the celebratory period, Balinese Hindus erect in their houses decorative bamboo poles, known as penjor, which serve to hold rice and offerings.
The wave of penjor, arising from every house in Ubud and the other areas in Gianyar, proffers a certain flamboyant touch to the area, thereby attracting tourists to take photos to capture these moments.
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Translator: Adi Lazuardi, Aria Cindyara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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