An Australian tourist who is fascinated and confused has posted a question on social media asking why he continues seeing so many little baskets left on the ground in Bali. Frequent travellers gave him a stern warning not to step on them. The baskets, or Canang Sari as they are known locally, are offered alongside incense sticks and stocked with goodies like fruits, flowers, cash, or cigarettes. These are Balinese offerings to the Gods and are an essential element of the culture of the renowned tourist island.
According to Balinese beliefs, particularly those believed in Hinduism, Canang Sari intends to create harmony between God, man, and the universe as a whole. Canang Sari often has a square form. It measures only 15 by 15 centimetres. The Banten or Canang Sari box is constructed from thin coconut leaves. Canang Sari is made by weaving yellowish-white coconut leaves into a box form, which is then filled with various offerings.
To maintain peace and balance in their lives, the Balinese give offerings to both the Gods of good forces and the spirits of evil. While the latter will be put out on the ground, the former will be presented on a higher platform. Tourists are advised not to tread over or on the offerings on the ground while the incense stick is still burning.
One frequent traveller admitted that they, too, got confused by all the baskets until they asked their driver to explain, which is comparable to the puzzled Australian tourist who commented on the Facebook page.
“If they are on alters, those are offerings to their Gods, and if they are on the grounds, it is an offering to bad spirits with things like cigarettes, food, etc., to make the spirit happy so they do not disturb the lives of those at the home/shop, etc.,” the frequent traveller wrote.
Another traveller mentioned the offerings on the ground were “to appease the evil spirits.”
Other Australian tourists share a similar experience where they accidentally step on the Canang Sari on their way to Ubud; after knowing what it is and what it is for, they said they feel bad and promise to be careful and watch out whenever they’re on the run in Bali.
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