In Balinese, the word Piodalan means being born or leaving, it is originated from the word wedal. So, this ceremony is a form of yadnya, or a sincere sacrifice to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi which is held on the day the temple is born. That is, every temple will have a day that is commemorated as the time to carry out piodalan. It is celebrated on its birthday according to the Pawukon – the 210 day Balinese calendar.
On June, Workspace and Culture has celebrated its piodalan/odalan ceremony to commemorate the temple’s birthday. Workspace and Culture was established 2 years ago. We had our Melaspas ceremony on the full moon in July 2019 with our friends and families. 2 years later, Workspace and Culture is blessed still with the trust of our clients and partners as well as our creativity in delivering services. We would want to show gratitude for all this blessing we have received whilst asking for future blessing.
Early in the morning, everyone was gathered at Workspace and Culture to start preparing for the ceremony. Various kind of banten (offerings) from fruits, flowers, different kind of snacks and crackers placed in festive container made from janur (palm/coconut leaves) served at the ceremony. These offerings for the deities are placed on a raised platform along with the lamak, a rectangular-shaped hanging decorated in various ways symbolizes a path between heaven and earth. Fragrant sticks of burning incense inserted, and then the offerings are ritually cleansed with holy water.
At exactly 10 o’clock, the Pemangku (Priest) came to the scene and prepared himself. He started chanting on prayer while his left hand rang a small bell. He sprinkled holy water and threw flowers every once in a while with his right hand, blessing the offerings and the place. Not long after, everyone started walking around Workspace and Culture splashing holy water, hitting kul-kul, and wafting essence of incense to fill up the room. The ritual was meant to cleanse the space and give blessing to each room.
At the end of the ceremony, we all sat down behind the priest and listen to his incantation with our hands clasped above our head. As the chanting continued, each of us was given tirtha to drink and splash over. The rituals in Bali is often a way for human to show gratitude to Gods for the blessing and protection, however, it is also a way for human to show compassion to one another as well as showing a sense of belonging to what is theirs.
Through this ceremony, everyone has shown love to Workspace and Culture while strengthen the bond of one another. After 2 years standing strong full of blessing, we hope that WAC will stay blessed and remain humble. Watch the video below for a glimpse of Piodalan Ceremony of Workspace and Culture.