Honoring the Earth in Bali: Experiencing Nyoda Bumi
During my time in Bali, I had the privilege of joining one of our artisan partners in a sacred ceremony called Nyoda Bumi (Mecaru). It was a moving experience that beautifully reflected the Balinese way of life — one where balance, gratitude, and respect for the earth are at the center of everything.
What is Nyoda Bumi?
In Balinese, Nyoda means to balance or restore, and Bumi means the earth. Together, Nyoda Bumi is a ceremony dedicated to restoring harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. It embodies the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana — the three causes of well-being and harmony:
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Parhyangan → harmony with God.
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Pawongan → harmony among humans.
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Palemahan → harmony with nature.
The purpose of this ritual is both ecological and spiritual: to offer gratitude to Mother Earth, purify the environment of physical and spiritual imbalances, restore harmony, and remind us that the earth is sacred and entrusted to our care.
Walking with Offerings and Blessings
I was deeply honored to be invited not only to witness but also to participate in the ceremony. Together with our team, I walked with offerings and blessed water, moving through each room to purify and bless the entire office. With every step, I could feel the intention of gratitude and balance being extended into the spaces where so much creative work happens.
It was a profound reminder of how ceremony is seamlessly woven into daily life here in Bali — honoring the earth, the community, and the divine in equal measure.
The Beauty of Traditional Attire
Another part of what made this ceremony so meaningful was the traditional Balinese outfits we wore. In Bali, dressing appropriately for a sacred ceremony is a form of respect, not only towards the gods, but also towards the culture and community.
Why Traditional Attire Matters:
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Respect: Wearing ceremonial clothing honors the sacredness of the ritual.
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Spiritual Purity: White, often worn for ceremonies, symbolizes a pure heart and balance.
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Cultural Preservation: These garments are a living link to Bali’s rich traditions.
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Symbolism of Colors: White reflects purity, yellow represents wisdom, red or purple express celebration, and black is reserved for mourning.
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Unity: Dressing in traditional attire brings a sense of belonging and togetherness.
The Components of Ceremonial Dress:
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Udeng (for men): a traditional head covering, usually white, symbolizing purity.
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Kamen (for men and women): a fabric wrapped around the waist.
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Saput (for men): an outer layer of the kamen, often brightly colored or white.
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Baju Safari (for men): a ceremonial shirt, typically white.
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Kebaya (for women): an elegant, lace-adorned blouse paired with a colorful kamen.
Walking side by side with our team in this attire, carrying offerings and blessed water, I felt both honored and humbled. It was a powerful reminder that ceremonies are not just rituals — they are living traditions that unite people through respect, beauty, and meaning.
The Role of the High Priest and the Sacred Genta
One of the most moving parts of the ceremony was witnessing the high priest as he led the rituals through sacred chants and mantras. His voice, steady and resonant, carried words that have been preserved and passed down for generations, connecting the community with the divine.
In his hand, he held a Genta, a sacred ritual bell that is believed to carry prayers and messages directly to the gods (Dewas). Its delicate yet resonant sound, paired with his mantras, created a peaceful, harmonious atmosphere that enveloped everyone present.
The Purpose and Significance of the Genta:
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Spiritual Communication: Its tones are a bridge between humans and the divine.
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Sacred Atmosphere: The ringing, paired with mantras, creates serenity and reverence.
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Ritual Consecration: It is used to bless offerings and consecrate holy water (thirta).
The Genta is not an ordinary bell. Reserved for priests who have undergone a rite of passage (mawinten), each one is meticulously handcrafted from brass or gold. No two are the same, and each carries its own unique sound and spirit, adding to its sacred authenticity.
Hearing its sound in person — clear, delicate, and powerful all at once — felt like a prayer itself, a reminder of how deeply sound, ritual, and intention are woven into Balinese spirituality.
Living in Balance
Experiencing Nyoda Bumi was a profound reminder that balance is not just something to seek, but something to live every day — in how we treat one another, in how we care for the planet, and in how we choose to create.
Just as the Balinese honor the earth through ceremony, at Paneros we strive to honor it through the way we design, source, and produce. Each piece is made with care, preserving artistry and tradition while respecting the environment. Because true beauty is found in balance and harmony.