Indonesia held a Bali culture parade to celebrate New Year 2022 at the Expo 2020 Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia’s Pavilion Commissioner General Didi Sumedi noted at a press conference here, Tuesday.

“To welcome 2022, Indonesia showcased the Bali culture performance at the ASEAN Pavilion stage,” Didi Sumedi said.

Over 20 baleganjur dancers and musicians, who came directly from Bali, showcased their culture during the Expo 2020 Dubai. The parade concluded with a Barong dance performance at the ASEAN Pavilion stage.

The Barong dance, according to Bali’s culture, is a symbol of virtue that is believed to be able to raise positive energy in humans.

“This Barong dance serves to proffer hope to the audience to welcome the new year with joy,” Sumedi remarked.
The Bali parade event is one of the agendas of the Communication and Informatics Ministry at Indonesia’s Pavilion in the Expo 2020 Dubai.

Indonesia’s Pavilion showcases Bali’s culture for two weeks consecutively, starting from December 24, 2021, until January 6, 2022.

Events to be featured during this period comprise a fashion show, topeng dance, baleganjur music, mask painting, and wayang.

In addition to showcasing their culture, dancers also partook in a photo session with a photographer from Hong Kong named Palani Mohan.

He immortalized the female dancers, who performed the Janger dance. In addition to female dancers, performers, with unique characteristics, were also involved for the photo session.

Another unique performance was the Rangda dance that portrays the balance of good and evil in the universe as well as Topeng Telek, world peace in a sacred ritual.

Other noteworthy performances included Topeng Tua, a reflection of an old man, and Topeng Keras, which is inspired by Patih Keras, a regent, who is close to the people.

Paripurna Studio Owner I Made Sidia, who attended the photo session, stated that these performances are a way to introduce Bali’s culture that several people are unaware of.

“I am happy to have an extraordinary opportunity to work with Palani, who captured the story behind his lens,” he affirmed.

“I believe that Palani’s works have the potential to bring Bali’s stories, cultures, and beauty to the world stage through a photograph,” he affirmed.

Source: Antara News