DENPASAR, balitourismnow.com – InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort and Holiday Inn Bali Sanur proudly celebrated their Odalan Ceremony at Padmasana Temple, coinciding with the full moon on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
The ceremony was filled with a sense of togetherness, marked by a lively Gebogan Parade, uniting colleagues in a meaningful expression of cultural devotion.
“The Odalan ceremony and Gebogan parade are unique celebrations honoring this philosophy by maintaining harmony in life and seeking blessings,” said Ms. Nunki, Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing.
Odalan, the anniversary celebration of a Hindu temple in Bali, is a lavish ceremony commemorating the founding of the temple, celebrated every 210 days according to the Balinese calendar.
This sacred ceremony honors the deities and ancestors who reside there, expresses gratitude for blessings received, and renews the temple’s spiritual energy.
The temple is adorned with traditional decorations including penjor – bamboo poles decorated with young coconut leaves, pennants, Balinese umbrellas, and intricate coconut leaf ornaments.
Offerings such as gebogan, towers of fruit, rice cakes, and flowers arranged beautifully, are displayed as part of the ritual.
The ceremony is led by a Pemangku – a Balinese Hindu priest. The ceremony begins with the sacred Rejang Dance performed by women as an expression of respect to the Gods.
The day before the ceremony, the resort holds an internal gebogan competition, which involves colleagues from all departments created tall, cone-shaped offerings.
These creations were then carried in a colorful parade, with women gracefully balancing Gebogan on their heads, accompanied by the rhythmic strains of traditional beleganjur music.
Bali is rich in culture and the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, meaning the three sources of happiness. Tri Hita Karana is a Balinese Hindu principle that refers to harmony between humans and God (Parahyangan), harmony between humans (Pawongan), and harmony between humans and nature (Palemahan).
“The creation of this balance is believed to create a prosperous, peaceful, and harmonious life,” said Ibu Nunki. [cia]