Media Update (July 14, 2008)

The Latest

On July 13, 2008, Puri Agung Ubud family members and relatives held special processions in conjunction with the upcoming Pelebon ceremony on July 15, 2008.

Ngening Ceremony
Another procession was conducted this morning to the deep spring in Tjampuhan to collect holy water that will be used to symbolically shower the royal deceased.

Mendak Naga Banda
Hundreds of people, including royal family members and relatives and Ubud locals, walked in a parade to bring the 7-meter long dragon-like creature Naga Banda from Merajan Agung Peliatan to the throne of the Puri Agung Ubud royal deceased. Before Naga Banda was taken from Merajan Agung Peliatan, it had to be symbolically put to death, separating its soul from the body and other earth elements.

Naga Banda Munggah to Sumanggen
As soon as it arrived in Puri Agung, Naga Banda was brought to Sumanggen – the throne of the deceased, before being taken to the cremation site.

Media events and activities
Ceremonies held today in connection with the Pelebon of Puri Agung Ubud:

Monday, July 14, 2008
• 8:00 a.m. (Bali Time) – last Ngening ceremony in Tjampuhan
• 8:00 p.m. (Bali Time) – ritual lighting of lanterns to pay tribute to Pelebon ceremonies

Note: For coverage, please contact the Media Center beforehand to obtain access to ceremonial sites. On July 14 at 2 p.m. (Bali Time), Media Center will arrange a site survey for the media to secure positions for coverage during the ceremony (meeting point at the Media Center)


Tuesday, July 15, 2008
• 6:00 a.m. (Bali Time) – placement of the roof of the 28.5-meter Bade in Puri Agung Ubud
• 1:00 p.m. (Bali Time) – early procession to the cremation site during which a ritual releasing of arrows called Manah Naga Banda will be performed by a pedanda (high priest)
• 2:00 p.m. (Bali Time) – cremation at the Setra Dalem
• 7:00 p.m. (Bali Time) – procession to Sunrise beach in Sanur (Pantai Matahari Terbit) to release the remains of the deceased on the beach


Other Information

Access to Ubud

• Until July 14, 2008, access to Ubud will be closed except from the Kadewatan area
Shuttle buses to Ubud will be provided at 10:00 a.m. (Bali Time) from the Bali Tourism Board Office, Jl. Raya Puputan 41, Renon, Denpasar

• On July 15, 2008, all access to Ubud will be completely closed for the whole day.
Media will be provided transportation, departing from Bali Tourism Board office at 7:30 a.m. (Bali Time)

Media Update (July 13, 2008)

The latest

Today several ceremonies were held in conjunction with the Puri Agung Ubud Royal Cremation Ceremonies.

Nuntun Ceremony - photos here
Nuntun ceremony started from Puri Sentra where the family members prayed for the souls of the deceased. Then people walked to Jl. Suwetu and prayed and put offerings for the souls of the deceased.

Ngareka Kajang Ceremony - photos here
Ngareka Kajang ceremony makes several layers of blankets which has symbols on it. Every symbol has a meaning and is decorated with flowers and offerings. Next to the ceremony are the coffins that will be used for Royal Family at the Pelebon.

Ngening Ceremony - photos here
This ceremony is conducted where people extract holy water at Tjampuhan, an area located deep near the river. This holy water will be used to shower the royal family deceased symbolically.

Ngangkit Ceremony - photos here
Ngangkit ceremony is where the bodies of the deceased are taken out from the graves and cremated. This took place at Puri Sentra. After the cremation, family members gather to collect the dust and crush the remaining bones.


Media events and activities

Series of Ceremonies prior to the Royal Cremation Ceremony (Pelebon)
• Ngening ceremony at Tjampuhan area where holy extraction is taken from a spring. The holy water will be used to shower 68 remains of the deceased.
Sunday, July 13, 2008, 8:00 a.m. (Bali Time)
• A journey to pick up the mythical dragon-like creature Naga Banda.
Sunday, July, 13, 2008, 3:00 p.m. (Bali Time)
Commencing at Puri Merajan Agung Peliatan
• Arrival of the Naga Banda at the home of the deceased who will be lifted to Sumanggen (the throne of the deceased before being taken to the cremation location)
Sunday, July 13, 2008, 5:00 p.m. (Bali Time)
Ending at Puri Agung, Ubud

Note: For the coverage of any events, please confirm to the Media Center beforehand to obtain access to ceremonial sites.

Other Information

Transportation
Shuttle buses to Ubud will be provided on a daily basis:
• July 12 – 14, 2008, 10.00 a.m. (Bali Time) from the Bali Tourism Board Office, Jln. Raya Puputan 41, Renon, Denpasar

Access to Ubud
• From July 12 to July 14, 2008, access to Ubud will be closed gradually except from the Kadewatan area
• On July 15, 2008, all access to Ubud will be completely closed for the whole day.
Media will be provided transportation, departing from Bali Tourism Board office at 7:30 a.m. (Bali Time)

Naga Banda

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Naga Banda is a symbol for the Royal Cremation Ceremony. The Naga (dragon) has been reserved for members of the Royal families only, with the purpose to carry the soul of the departed on its way to heaven. Naga Banda will be one of the vehicles for the departed that will be cremated on July 15, 2008, in Ubud, Bali.

Click here for picture in higher resolution