Performances, celebrations for Chinese New Year

Alit Kertaraharja ,  Contributor ,  Singaraja   |  Fri, 02/08/2008 11:52 AM  |  Bali

Chinese and Balinese traditional art performances on Thursday were the highlight of many celebrations for the Chinese lunar new year, Imlek, across several regions in Bali.

In the northern coastal city of Singaraja, hundreds of Balinese of Chinese-descent have since Wednesday made their way to the Ling Gwen Kyong temple.

As the island's former capital and trade center, Singaraja boasts a large number of Chinese and Balinese of Chinese descent.

The heavy downpour of rain did not spoil the celebratory atmosphere at the historic Chinese temple.

Glittering wall decorations, shining red glass lanterns and colorful paper banners further strengthened celebrations.

The devotees took turns in approaching the temple's main altar where they presented their offerings before burning fragrant incense and praying to "the Almighty God, the host of heavenly deities, and eventually to the soul of their ancestors".

"These people came from all over Buleleng," a member of the temple committee Lim We said.

"We are very glad that the ritual has taken place solemnly and smoothly."

After the praying session, the temple's outer yard was transformed into a stage, where a local dance troupe performed the barong sae (dragon and lion dance).

The energetic dance was followed by the performance of an equally raucous Balinese traditional percussion ensemble of Gong.

The multicultural art performances reflected the colorful ethnic origins of the devotees who crowded the temple's yard.

They were all the custodians of their Chinese ancestors' cultural heritage.

"Here in Buleleng the relationship between the Chinese and the Balinese has always been very close," a Balinese of Chinese descent Agus Mahardika said.

"Inter-marriage between members of the two ethnics is quite common.

"Naturally, our cultural traditions have also undergone that process of amalgamation.

"We are very proud that up to now we have never experienced an inter-ethnic conflict here," Agus said.

Buleleng police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Setyo Dwiantoro said the police had deployed a large number of personnel to secure all places of worship in the regency.

A joyous procession of barong sae troupe became the main attraction for Imlek celebrations at the Dharmayana temple in Kuta, Badung.

Performers dressed as three lions and two dragons in an artful parade encircled the temple.

"We believe that such processions will be able to restore the harmony in the world so the human being will be able again to live peacefully side by side each other," a member of the temple's committee Hindra Suarlin said.

In Griya Konco Tanah Kilap in South Denpasar, Balinese Hindus and Balinese of Chinese descent crowded the place of worship.

The Imlek's joint celebration will be held in Denpasar's Werddhi Budaya Art Center on Feb. 10.

Around 30 social organizations will participate in the gathering, which will highlight cultural performances.

"The performance will be centered on the need to revitalize the spirit of multiculturalism and brotherhood among mankind," Hindra told Antara.

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