Last Saturday (28 November 2015), it was a special day for VP Bali, the children, and the volunteers. It was Sarasvati day, or the day when the Balinese celebrate Sarasvati, the goddess of knowledge. On that day, our volunteers had a fun time participating in the ceremonies held at both schools in Ubud.

The ceremonies started fairly early in the morning. Our volunteers were already up and ready at 7.30 AM, dressed up in traditional Balinese clothes. We had two groups, each went to their respective schools in the program, but the processions for the ceremonies at both schools started at around the same time. At school, the volunteers were welcomed warmly by the school staff and of course, their students, who were all dressed up in their colourful sarongs and kebaya. After a few minutes with the headmaster, the prayer commenced. The volunteers also joined in the prayers. After the holy water was sprinkled and the incense extinguished, the volunteers enjoyed a tasty Balinese lunch at school. Yummy!

Participating in ceremonies like Sarasvati Day allows the volunteers to be engaged in Balinese culture, to be a part of it rather than viewing as an outsider. It allows them to see and feel for themselves the exquisite culture Bali has to offer, to feel the spiritual aura of a ceremony first-hand. It’s also fun seeing the volunteers and students dressed up in matching clothes and connecting with one another on a new level!