I was lucky enough to visit Bali, Indonesia during the main Hindu festival Galungan. It became my favourite because everything looked different. The statues were fully dressed, having flower necklaces and earnings on, skirts and hats.
A woman taking offerings to Tirta Empul Temple in Bali, Indonesia.
Camera: Sony DSC-HX200V Lens: 2.8-5.6/4.8-144 ISO: 800
Shutter Speed: 1/200 Focal Length: 50.19mm
The locals were busy preparing and leaving offerings anywhere you can think of including the beach. They were giving the gods cigarettes, food and exotic scented flowers.
Camera: Sony DSC-HX200V Lens: 2.8-5.6/4.8-144 ISO: 125
Shutter Speed: 1/80 Focal Length: 11.25mm
There was a tall bamboo pole decorated with coconut leaves known as a penjor in front of nearly every house which in a way is what the Christmas tree for us is.
Camera: Sony DSC-HX200V Lens: 2.8-5.6/4.8-144 ISO: 100
Shutter Speed: 1/320 Focal Length: 4.94mm
I loved this holiday because of the colours, the aromas and the respect people treat the gods with. It is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and changes date as it is based on 210 day calendar.
Camera: Sony DSC-HX200V Lens: 2.8-5.6/4.8-144 ISO: 100
Shutter Speed: 1/1250 Focal Length: 11.78mm
So if you happen to be in Bali during Galungan make sure that you leave the resorts, with the too many 5 star hotels and fast food eateries behind, to experience how locals celebrate it. I was pleased to spend a whole day with a Balinese family. Together we prepared the offerings for this very special holiday.
Camera: Sony DSC-HX200V Lens: 2.8-5.6/4.8-144 ISO: 100
Shutter Speed: 1/250 Focal Length: 8.01mm