A massive celebration in Ubud, Bali

When I was in Ubud, I noticed something different. A massive festival was underway. As I walked through the Ubud market, even the statue of the Ubud King at the main crossroads caught my attention—it was beautifully decorated with flowers and yellow and white fabric, marking its sacredness. Crossing the main street to the palace, I saw huge penjors (ornate bamboo poles) lining the streets.

Ubud, a center of art where many artisans gather to hone their skills in painting, dancing, traditional music, and carving, looked different this week. The town hosted a series of religious festivals called Padudusan Agung, Ngenteg Linggih, Ngusabha Desa, and Ngusaba Nini—essentially celebrating several festivals over the week. These events were celebrated by the local people and those living in the villages surrounding Ubud.

The festivals themselves focus on cleansing the universe, creating harmony between humans and the environment, and expressing gratitude for the blessings of the gods. The celebrations were centered around Ubud Palace, located on the town's main street.

The main street of Ubud was beautifully decorated with penjor (ornate bamboo poles), split gates, barong statues made from harvested crops, and various offerings crafted from coconut leaves, flowers, and food such as fruits and cakes. Ubud, typically bustling with tourists, saw fewer visitors during this low season in Bali. However, those who did visit were fortunate to witness a unique celebration that only occurs once every 30 years.