TEMPO.CO, Karangasem - Mount Agung refugees spread across several regions in Karangasem District in Bali are currently celebrating Galungan, which is a Balinese holiday that celebrates the victory of dharma (virtue) over adharma (evil).
“The prayers will be held at Pura Merajan (family temple), the village Pura, and other Puras throughout our village,” said one of the residents of Besakih Village, Made Dwi (30) today on Wednesday, November 1.
The Galungan celebration this year is certainly different compared to previous celebrations. Most village residents must currently temporarily stay at evacuation areas that are spread throughout the Klungkung District.
“Some have returned back home, but many are still living in evacuation areas considering that their houses are in the disaster-prone areas,” said Made.
One of the locals, Nengah Pondoh (60) said that she went back to her house to exclusively pray for the Galungan holy day celebration. Many of Pondoh’s relatives prepared the meals and penjors (traditional long ornamental bamboo poles).
Being merely four kilometers from Mount Agung’s peak has made her wary of staying in her village for a long period of time. “We always return to the evacuation camps in the evening. It is terrifying to stay here during a long period of time, we’ll just play it safe,” said Pondoh.
Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika said that the Mount Agung refugees that are in the red zone are permitted to return back to their villages to conduct their Galungan prayers, though the governor reminded that they stay alert to Mount Agung’s circumstances.
ANTARA