Putu, Komang, Father and Kadek in front. Grandfather and uncle in back

Saturday was a very auspicious day for ashram members Kadek Ayu Ariani, Komang Ayu Juliantari and their sister Putu Ayu Astri.  Five years after their mother died, they were able to cremate her.  The mass cremation ceremony was sponsored by a Member of Parliament from the Karangasem area.

Big sister Putu, took charge of making sure her sisters were taken care of

The sisters and their family worked all week long preparing offerings for the cremation.  After the ceremony they walked down to the sea where they released her ashes to return to the universe.  Very moving.

But wait that’s not all.  The same afternoon, there was another important ceremony for Balinese…tooth filing or mesangih.  This ritual is usually performed around 16 or 17 years old.  However, it’s expensive so many poor people cannot afford.  But the same organization sponsored the mesangih for more than 200 people including Kadek and her father.

Showing off their filed down teeth

Kadek praying before the ceremony begins

Dad under the knife