The “umbul-umbul” is a banner common in Balinese Hinduism, five to ten meters long by about 80 centimeters wide, painted with a decorative dragon. It is often seen in temples and in processions. Umbul Umbul – Ngiring Budal Ida Betara Ratu Gede Dalem Peliatan Its production is a social responsibility, “ngayah,” unpaid and non-commercial, fully dedicated to the society and to God. On this occasion I Ketut Madra, a painter in the traditional style from Banjar Kalah, Peliatan, was asked to paint an umbul-umbul to be placed in the temple and used at any ritual or ceremony. Traditional painting is very difficult, and it needs special talent and long-practiced discipline. My wife (:mayumi inouye) and I (:kadek ferry) are not painters, nor are we familiar with paintbrushes, colors, or canvas, but Ketut Madra said to us, “Let’s ngayah.” So, in accordance with the spirit of “ngayah,” we tried to help, even to paint—at least to do something useful in producing this umbul-umbul in the limited time available. Together with Ketut himself and his brother Madri, we worked intensively for two weeks, eight hours a day, to finish the job. It was well done, two umbul-umbuls, and we felt very satisfied Read More