Field notes from Bali, Indonesia

Canang sari, the daily offerings of Bali

10 photos

A fresh offering in its palm-leaf tray, with flowers, curly fern and a ball of rice.

One of my favorite traditions I've seen in my travels has been the Balinese offering ritual called Canang sari.

Canang sari is a Balinese Hindu tradition, typically done by women and usually in traditional attire. The offerings are crafted and placed in the household shrines, on the sidewalk, on the beach, at the entrance of temples, etc.

It's done to express gratitude and to maintain harmony. Each offering is a small woven palm-leaf tray filled with colored flowers, a stick of fragrant incense, nuts, rice, and other things. I find the smell of the incense pleasant and unlike anything else.

They do it every day without skipping a beat. It feels close to nature, too. Soon after an offering is placed, I've seen birds and squirrels come over for a little snack.