Chanang- Balinese offering, Bali

Bali's beauty and serenity is something which intoxicates you the moment you land on this breathtaking place. 

No one can miss the ubiquitous offerings on entering Bali.  They are seen everywhere - on airport counters, shop counters, outside and inside homes, near a swimming pool, on temples, on a car dashboard.

The day begins at every Balinese house with offerings called Chanang. They are put at the entrance of the house and at most places where you would want the safety of people, for instance, inside the house, temple, near a swimming pool, or a gazebo.

Outside a house 

But, what are Chanangs and what is their purpose? Chanangs are an offering to gods to seek their blessings and also ward off or satisfy the bad spirits called the buta kaala from entering the house.
They are usually made from pandanus leaves with banana leaf in the center, and offerings placed inside. Usually, the leaves are attached using a stick but now, it is so much easier to staple them together. The offerings are then put inside the Chanang which usually consists of few flowers, a dhupa (incense stick) and other things varying from chocolates, to biscuits to candies.  A simple chanang can be a small amount of rice and placed outside the house.

 I wanted to see what is done, so took some pictures of the girl who came to put the chanangs at our place of stay.  She sprinkled some water with a flower over the area thrice and prayed for the well being of the house.  She then put the chanang at different places around the house.

   Chanangs for the house                     Sprinkling the area  with water              Chanang at doorstep                                                                                                             

Another thing which I noticed in Bali is the dress code on visiting a temple or performing any ritual. The Balinese have very strong religious beliefs and one needs to be properly dressed when visiting a temple.  You have to wear a blouse, a sarong and a sash around your waist.  You can see the attire of the pretty girl in the above picture.

On a airport counter 

I was talking to some old folks there and was praising the traditions which the Balinese are still continuing and we agreed that with the change in new generation, we hope the culture and rituals continue through the coming generations.