Culture

What ngaben actually is, what the wadah and lembu mean, what it costs, and how to be near a Balinese cremation ceremony without making it about you.

Balinese Hinduism is a distinct branch of Hinduism shaped by syncretism with animism and Buddhism. A traveler-focused guide to Agama Hindu Dharma, the Panca Yadnya, the Pawukon and Saka calendars, the major ceremonies (Galungan, Nyepi, Ngaben, melukat), the temple system, and how to behave respectfully at a ceremony.