The proverb “where feet tread the earth, there the sky is upheld” holds deeply true, reminding us of our duty to respect and preserve local traditions wherever we are. On Saturday, September 5, 2026, the entire R.O.L.E. Foundation community, including staff and students from Bali WISE and the ZeroWaste Center, gathered to celebrate the sacred ceremonies of Odalan and Tumpek Kandang. What made this day extraordinary was how individuals from vastly different cultural and religious backgrounds collaborated seamlessly to bring the celebration to life.
Enthusiastic Preparation and Devotional Harmony
Our students brought incredible enthusiasm to every stage of the event. The day before, they led campus cleanups across both Bali WISE and the ZeroWaste Center. On the morning of the event, everyone woke up early to gather and prepare offerings, altars, and refreshments. The energy and team spirit were undeniable.
Once the priest arrived at Bali WISE, the ceremony commenced at 9:00 AM. Hindu staff and students participated deeply in the sacred rites, while other students of other religions observed respectfully and assisted with logistics throughout the proceedings. Following the collective prayers, Hindu students helped distribute holy water across the entire Bali WISE facility, blessing offices, classrooms, kitchens, and dormitories. Students then performed expressive traditional dances, followed by a joint prayer session accompanied by sacred hymns sung by the students themselves, before receiving individual blessings.
Upon finishing the first ceremony, staff and students rested briefly before traveling together to the ZeroWaste Center to prepare a second service. Working side by side once again, the team set up the space for the priest to begin. Prayers of gratitude and hope filled the air alongside student dance and hymn performances. The priest blessed the ZeroWaste Center shrine areas, as well as the rescued animals and pets residing on site. To conclude the solemn gathering, everyone sat together to share a delicious lunch surrounded by the lush greenery of the ZeroWaste Center.
Preserving Culture and Embracing Diversity
By honoring these traditions, we show profound respect for local Balinese culture while invoking blessings for the ongoing success of R.O.L.E. Foundation, Bali WISE, and the ZeroWaste Center in our mission to empower marginalized women and protect the environment. Beyond cultural preservation, this event served as a powerful reminder of our unity. Bringing together individuals from diverse ethnicities, beliefs, and backgrounds allows us to instill lasting values of mutual respect, tolerance, and cultural appreciation in all our students.
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