A dazzling performance and video mapping show unveiled the country’s tallest statue.

Around 2,500 people, including prominent artists and scholars from Bali, flocked to the area around the lotus pond of the 60-hectare Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) cultural park on Saturday night to witness the unveiling of the eponymous statue.

A colossal performance featuring the famous Cak Rina kecak (fire dance) troupe, singers Ayu Laksmi and Dira Sugandi and Legong Garuda dancer Keni Soeriatmadja presented to the audience the gist of the tale about the mythical bird.

An impressive light show and video mapping created by young creators from Bandung-based Seeds Motion and a unique stage designed by architect Robi Roesli lent the performance a hi-tech, modern ambience.

Directed by Wawan Sofwan, the performance told the story of a mighty bird that values freedom above all else.

Hindu mythology tells how Garuda successfully battled dragons, giants and deities to free his enslaved mother. He then served as the bearer of Amrta (Elixir of Immortality) and the steed of Lord Wisnu the Sustainer.

The most touching moment, however, occurred when the statue’s creator, Nyoman Nuarta, entered the stage with about 150 artists and workers, who in the past four years worked day and night to construct the 121-meter-tall monument.

At that moment, as the audience joined them in belting out “Padamu Negeri”, a refreshing shower of rain engulfed the cultural park. It was as if Lord Wisnu, a deity whose principal element is water, was giving his blessings too.

Colorful: The unveiling ceremony also saw women dressed in carnival attire welcome invitees.

Cowbells: A traditional percussion troupe from Tabanan plays okokan (decorated wooden cowbells) to greet arriving guests.

Winged warriors: Students perform as a flock of eagles fighting under the command of the mighty Garuda.

Diva: Playing a penting (Balinese mandolin), famed actress and singer Ayu Laksmi mesmerizes the audience with a rendition of ancient Balinese songs.

— Photos by JP/Zul Edoardo